Introducing the First Three 2023 LDZ Junior Counselor Winners!

This Fall semester has been centered all around recruitment for our NHI volunteers, as our Regular Admission deadline is November 11! 

Student volunteers at NHI are asked to recruit at least 5 new applicants to their first NHI program – which is not an easy task. They are encouraged to set up meetings at their school and in their community, as well as to connect with their fellow NHI members to continue building upon the skills they gained during the summer. Additionally, they are showing up to virtual trainings and using the resources given to them through our new NHI Volunteer Google Classroom. 

Three of our top recruiters this year shared their experiences that we’re overjoyed to share with you! 

Madison Messner from Las Vegas, Nevada says, “No one can truly understand the magnitude of an NHI program until they experience it for themselves. Whether it’s the people you make memories with, or what you take away from the programs, NHI will change not just your life, but the way in which you see the world. I believe that everyone and anyone should be given the chance to join NHI, because you truly do not walk out the same person you came as.”

Messner’s message sheds light on how NHI has shaped and evolved the way she views not just herself and her community but the specific people and attributes within her life. 

Sabdy Cordon, also from Las Vegas, Nevada says, “A community, and an opportunity…When I attended NHI programs, my entire life changed. For the first time in my life I was treated as a person – a leader. For the first time I truly believed that I could do anything. Fundamental #17: If It’s Meant To Be It’s Up To Me. Not only that, I met people similar to me, all in one room. I found a community. I want others to have the opportunity to find that community, and have the same life-changing experiences as me.”

Cordon’s message resonated with me personally, as I, and I’m sure others, have had similar experiences of finally finding ‘your people’ through the NHI programs. I would also love to mention that Messner and Cordon have both gotten 6 new recruits to apply to their first program this upcoming summer! 

“I will always consider NHI a home that i want everyone i know to be part of,” says Fran Dejud from our Latin American community in Panama.

“NHI is a life changer. From the moment I learned about NHI’s programs, I knew that I had to be part of this experience. NHI’s Fundamental #9, Proceed Only On Faith (POOF), inspired me to keep working on their visions. Faith gives you power. I believe in the capacity of the students from my community, and they have the power to make a difference. They still have so much to learn, but participating on the programs could be a great startup by teaching them how to be a model leader. I will always consider NHI a home that I want everyone I know to be part of.”

Fran concluded by sharing, “I believe that the students who applied to NHI’s 2023 programs were motivated to join a revolutionary organization. A chance to set their goals straight. I encouraged them to follow their vision, goals, and desires and helped them by being a guide through the entire application process. I made sure they applied! I challenged them to challenge themselves. They know they are capable of making a difference. I love NHI, and I want to share this experience with my community.”

If you are having troubles with recruitment in your area or school, we also have additional opportunities that could earn you volunteer credit. You can also become an NHI volunteer today by filling out our Volunteer Interest Form. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the NHI volunteer department at volunteer@nhimail.com.

By Reilly Garcia, JFL Fellow at NHI headquarters, Maxwell, Texas.
Reilly is a senior at Texas State University and a graduate of all three NHI programs.