A conversation with SYLP participants: Ishani and Nimratpreet

After a memorable first experience in the summer of 2025, Ishani and Nimratpreet, both 14 years old, have returned to the SACSS Summer Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) in 2026. Led by Senior Program Manager Nushmia Shafique, SYLP helps young people build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and form meaningful friendships through interactive workshops, creative activities, and community engagement.

We sat down with the two returning participants to hear about their experience.

How did you first hear about SYLP?
Ishani: My grandfather volunteers at the SACSS Food Pantry, and my mom has participated in several SACSS programs, including English classes. She encouraged me to join SYLP. Actually, she insisted! Nimratpreet is my best friend, so I invited her to come with me.

What were your expectations before joining SYLP?
Ishani: During summer break, I usually spend a lot of time taking care of my younger siblings, and this year felt especially slow because we didn’t have any homework while preparing to transition into high school. So I was excited to join SYLP, but I was also nervous because I have pretty high social anxiety.
Nimratpreet: I was nervous too, but I saw that the program included creative writing, and that immediately caught my attention. I was excited to develop those skills.

What was your experience like during SYLP 2025? Do you have a favorite memory or skill you learned?
Ishani: At first, I was very shy, but the program really helped me open up. My favorite part was the icebreakers. Every class, someone leads a new activity with thoughtful prompts that help everyone get to know each other. Today’s question was, “What’s your favorite song, and what emotions does it bring out in you?” I love questions like that because they are so thoughtful and people usually ask follow-up questions.
I was also so nervous when I learned we’d have to complete a passion project and present it in front of everyone at the end of the program. But by the time presentation day arrived, I had built so much confidence that I actually felt a rush while presenting.
Nimratpreet: I really enjoyed working in groups. That’s funny because group work isn’t usually my favorite thing at school, but it felt completely different at SYLP. One of my favorite memories was our trip to the Museum of the Moving Image, where we participated in an interactive team quiz. It turned into a fun, friendly competition.

Did SYLP help you adjust to a new environment?
Ishani: Yes. One thing I really like is that every year there are people from different backgrounds. Many of us speak different languages and are all working on improving our English, but we still come together and learn from one another’s cultures. I had a difficult time making friends at school last year, so SYLP became a place where I felt comfortable and included.
Nimratpreet: I had a hard time making friends last year too, so I always looked forward to coming to SYLP each week. I especially loved the creative writing classes because they inspired me to keep improving my writing even after the program ended.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
Ishani: I want to keep building my confidence and self-esteem, and hopefully become even more comfortable in social situations.
Nimratpreet: I’m excited to meet new people, work with different groups, and take part in even more activities.
For Ishani and Nimratpreet, SYLP has become much more than a summer program. It has given them a place to build friendships, develop confidence, discover new interests, and challenge themselves in ways they never expected. As they return for another summer, they’re looking forward to continuing that journey and growing alongside a new group of young leaders.