A Leader Among Men

I am Tyler Clark, and I am a member of the Abilities United Group.

I am interested in becoming a Self-Advocate. I applied for the 14th Annual Ohio Governor's Youth Leadership Forum, YLF, in the spring and was one of 40 Ohio students selected to serve as a delegate at the July YLF.

The event is supported by the Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, which is through the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. The four day forum was held at the Embassy Suites in Columbus.

During YLF, I learned about the principles of leadership, advocacy, voting, living on my own, and preparation for employment.

The delegates gathered in groups to share information and learn new leadership skills. We visited the State House, met with adult mentors, and enjoyed group activities like wheelchair basketball and swimming.

I think John Wooden said it best when he said "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do!"

This article was written by Tyler "Herbie" Clark, who graduated this past spring from Fairfield Union High School. He is already well on his way to becoming a leader in his community.