Teen makes time to make a difference with Youth United Way

Quitman McBride III knows the meaning of hard work, and it's got nothing to do with the school work assigned by his teachers at Cape Girardeau Central High School. McBride volunteers with Youth United Way, the teen division of United Way, doing everything from kitchen work to stable chores. McBride schedules the community service between school assignments, speech and debate and Red Dagger performances like the upcoming "12 Angry Jurors" in late March.

McBride said the key to balancing it all is staying organized. In this e-mail interview, he talks about his volunteer efforts.

Chris Harris: You're a junior at Cape Central, yes?

Quitman McBride III: I am a junior at Cape Central, as well as an honor student.

CH: How old are you?

QM: I am 17 ... FINALLY!

CH: Tell me about Youth United Way, like the purpose of it.

QM: The Youth United Way program is basically a subdivision of the United Way organization. This particular program focuses on the needs of teens and students both in and out of school. What makes this program unique and truly genius is the "for teens, by teens" persona that YUW has. With teens as the main focal point of YUW and by having teens in the program, it's quite easy for YUW to fulfill its purpose. We can help the United Way deal with problems that arise among teens, especially in school, because we go to school and see these problems most every day.

CH: How long have you been involved?

QM: This will be my second year being involved with YUW. And I do plan on having a third.

CH: What brought you to the organization?

QM: I had seen signs about the city advocating for United Way, which piqued my curiosity. However, it wasn't until my assistant principal, Mrs. Ellis, had selected me to participate in the YUW program that I got a real understanding of what the UW organization was about.

CH: What other volunteering do you do?

QM: I have performed (sang/ played piano) at many different functions throughout the heartland, including nursing homes, churches, holiday programs, etc.

CH: Why do you think it's important to volunteer and work in the community?

QM: I think that it's important to volunteer and work in the community because the more I volunteer and work, the stronger I make our community. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people and have new, exciting experiences. Working together in the community can only do it good.

CH: What types of activities have you guys done?

QM: We've done everything from helping stack and arrange cans at the Salvation Army, to helping serve at the Salvation Army, to volunteering at the Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship Ranch.

CH: What has been your favorite thing so far?

QM: My favorite project so far has been working at the Therapeutic Horsemanship Ranch. It was an awesome feeling getting to pet the horses, and it felt great knowing that we did our part to help them get prepared for their upcoming season.

CH: What would you tell someone to entice them to join?

QM: I would say that it is definitely an experience that they wouldn't forget. I'd also say that it would be for a good cause and that they really could make the difference in their community. Not to mention, it doesn't look too bad on college applications.

CH: Are you going to the Speak Hard event in Jefferson City? Did you go last year and can you tell me about it?

QM: As much as I would love to go, I have a prior engagement and won't be able to make it this year. Next year, however, I'm making that event a top priority. I didn't get to go last year either, but from what I've heard, it's apparently a day of workshops dedicated to volunteer projects, and tutorials on how to get communities motivated to work together in order to produce a better society.