The Key Story @thekeystory - Tumblr Blog

From Apathy to Presidency

My Key Club story begins like that of so many others: with a visit to my very first Key Club meeting. I was a freshman at Homewood High School, it was 7:15 in the morning, and I most definitely did not want to be there. I can vaguely remember getting reprimanded for eating in the small theater where our first meeting was held, but mostly I remember a pervasive annoyance at having to be up so early for a club that, to me, just seemed like any other at my high school.

Indulge me in backtracking just slightly. I was sitting in the Bailey Theater at Homewood High School on that August morning first and foremost because my parents had informed me that I would be. In their infinite wisdom, they had told me that if I expected to be able to get into college as a senior, then I would need service hours (and a lot of them), and that to get those I should join Key Club. Although I wasn't particularly gung-ho about signing up, I wasn't particularly adverse to the idea, either. In all honesty, I probably would have ended up joining anyway; I'm the type that joins every club at school just to keep myself busy and involved. Thus, with little input on my part, I found myself at my very first Key Club meeting. Little did I know how much Key Club would shape my life in the years to come.

That first year, I was a fairly typical club member. I went to projects and served my fifty hours and then some, but I was not exceptionally involved. I couldn't have even named the offices of my home club, much less told you that Key Club extended to the divisional, district, and International level. However, a strange series soon set into motion a chain of events that would change my life forever.

At Homewood, band is the thing to do. We have over 300 members, have been to Macy's more times than any other band outside of New York, have been to the Rose Bowl and Ireland, are in the top 100 Communities for Music Education in America...so naturally, I was involved, both of my own accord and because my parents again informed me that I was going to be. Over a third of my school is in the band, so it wasn't particularly strange that a bubbly sophomore named Madison just so happened to be in the clarinet section, and that we just so happened to become friends through long, hot hours of band practice. Madison had a sister named Courtney who was on the dance line. Courtney was (and still is) loud, perky, assertive, and, quite frankly, a little bit scary. You can imagine my anxiety when Madison pulled me aside one day to ask if I would meet her sister to talk to her about Key Club. I didn't even know Courtney was in Key Club, much less why she would want to talk to me about it, but I tentatively agreed, primarily out of nervousness and the desire to be a little more accepted and a little less "freshman." We arranged to meet in the band room before school one day so that Courtney could fill me in on the details of this "Key Club" business.

The morning came all too quickly, and I entered the band room rather apprehensively, looking for Courtney. She wasn't hard to spot. "Rebeccaaaa ohmygosh come on we have so much stuff to talk about! You're just going to love Key Club so here's a brochure on CMN and DCON is coming up so you'll have to be at that and then ICON is like DCON except better oh and all this is for LTG which means Lt. Governor...it's a great job, you like go around, visit clubs and stuff, go to board meetings...you'll love it, it's great. But anyway, you'll need to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF cause it's one of our Service Partners and by the way here's my giant binder full of papers--sorry it's so disorganized haha!!!--so just pretty much look at that and it'll be helpful...and then rally at Spain Park and bring school supplies! Got it? Great, awesome, so glad you're in, call me if you have questions, bye!"

Needless to say, this encounter left me in somewhat of a state of shock. I was left with a binder, papers literally going everywhere, and still no idea of what was going on. Eventually, I deciphered that Key Club had something to do with service, and that I should be at Courtney's Spring Rally a few weeks later. I made myself a note and, sure enough, found myself standing on stage at Spain Park as the new Division 5 Lieutenant Governor just a few weeks later.

That was all well and good...for about thirty minutes, at which point I actually learned what I had gotten myself into. When I found out that I would have to attend Alabama's District Convention in Prattville just a few weeks later, I was not happy. I just knew that the convention would be crawling with nerds, freaks, dorks, weirdos, and, worst of all, the dreaded gamers. When later arrived, I could be found fuming in my dad's car all the way to Prattville, because not only was I loath to meet the rabble that I thought would be in attendance at convention, I was additionally annoyed because of all the make-up work I would incur in the process. However, the moment I set foot amongst the other lieutenant governors who were going to be serving alongside me, I realized that these were not gamers or freaks, but intelligent, driven, passionate individuals much like myself, and I instantly fell in love. All my pre-conceptions, annoyances, and preoccupations about schoolwork melted away, and DCON passed in a happy whirlwind. Thus began a year full of newsletters, club visits, board meetings, divisional council meetings, service projects, and more.

Soon it was March 2011, and DCON rolled back around once again. This time, I was a year older, a year more educated, and a year more in love with Key Club. I decided to run for endorsement for International Trustee, and I was elected that summer in Phoenix, Arizona to the International Board, where I served the districts of Kansas, Georgia, and Texas-Oklahoma for another year before I found myself in Orlando, Florida, this time running for the office of International President. On Saturday, July 7, 2012, I was elected by the delegates at International Convention to serve as the 2012-2013 Key Club International President, marking the start of a long year filled with travelling, schoolwork, emailing, college applications, organizational management and oversight, and very little sleep. Now, almost four years since that first Key Club meeting and a lieutenant governorship, trusteeship, and presidency later, I look back and realize what Key Club has meant in my life over the course of my high school career. While my Key Club experience has been memories, hardships, friendships, growth, and lots of hard work, Key Club means something different to every one of us. So, now that you’ve heard my Key Club story, what’s your story? Or, more importantly, what will be your story? The world is waiting to find out.

Helen's Key Club Story

It was the start of freshman and I was alone in a school of 4000+ students. I had no one as a friend as all of my friends went to a prestigious high school that unfortunately fortunately, my mother did not allow me to go. With no one from my previous middle school to join me on what was supposed to be the best 4 years of my life. So I did what every ambitious freshman trying to get into a great college did: I joined many many many clubs. I had a brief stint with the Asian Society, the Chemistry Club, the Robotics Club and the K-Pop club. I never really fell in love with any of them, but I did with Key Club. Still in my freshman year, I also joined Key Club. It was not love at first sight but more of something that creeped up on me. I was not that active because my schedule and my being 14 prevented me from going out on weekends to help out and staying long after school. So I made it my point and goal to attend every single divisional and do as much fundraising as I can.

It was at one of these divisionals that I took a leap into the world of Key Club. Helen, my previous LTG announced a last minute call for the next LTG. And there a small sprout was planted into my mind. What if I got the job? What if I actually tried? Oh my god, am I going to have to talk to them? They're going to tear me apart...

But nevertheless, I steeled myself to walk up to them after everyone left, and filled out the form so they could contact me (I was told later by one of the first friends I made in Key Club that he saw and all he remembered was:freshman with GIANT bookbag).

My first interview was a blur. I was so nervous that I kept on laughing nervously as I answered all of their relatively simple questions. I was the last applicant and the only one to walk out with a folder and a packet of information. I was so happy when I told my parents later at dinner, only to be told by them that I probably wouldn't get it. A couple days later, an email sent out saying that I was one of two candidates to make it to the final round. On my second email, I was going through some tough times. My grandma had gone into surgery to remove her tumor the day of my interview and I remember crying during the interview. The only thing I remember of that interview was

"Don't let me ever see you cry again. You can cry now but once you're under my wing, you have to be strong."

And I became LTG of Division 9, Brooklyn, New York.

That was the start of a brand new life. I adopted a whole new family, my 2012-2013 Key Club board family. And I found a best friend in my counterpart, Michelle. There was just so much that Key Club has done to me that I will forever be grateful for. I have learned so many life lessons, work ethic, public speaking and the importance of helping someone. I am forever grateful for everyone in Key Club who has touched my heart with their words or actions. I have learned to love so much and to find what true friendship means. I have learned to miss people so much, that it hurts. I have also learned that things will get better and to give everyone a chance.

I have found that Key Club brings happiness, sadness, drama, excitement. It's life in a nutshell.

Proud to be a Key Clubber,

Helen Wong

New York District Secretary

Division 9 LTG

~Once a Key Clubber, Always a Key Clubber~

When I first joined Key Club during my freshman year, I didn't know much about it. All I knew was the fact that my sister was involved with it when she was in high and I decided to follow her footstep.

I didn't do much during my first year being in Key Club. In fact, my club had a minimum of thirty hours and I only did seven. Nevertheless, I decided to join Key Club during my sophomore year (with more hours of course, I did over 170 hours by the end of my senior year).

Sophomore year was an interesting year. It was the year where I first attended the Ohio District Fall Rally and DCON. Both events opened my eyes and I realized that I want to be a part of the District Board. However, I realized that I am just a member of my own club and the furthest I could go is being on the club board. But I was so inspired to the point that I realized that I have nothing to lose except a slight humiliation if I lost the election.

I ran for the District Treasurer against two other individuals and needless to say, I was appointed as the District Treasurer. To prepare and be aware of what will happen during my term, I decided to attend ICON 2012 in Orlando. I made a lot of friends there and it's amazing how much in common I have with these people just by being in Key Club. It's an amazing week with a bunch of people I practically don't know and nothing can top that.

With the amount of time I spent with my District Board, it's hard for me to say good-bye to them because I've grown so close to them. During DCON, I was a bit sad. Not because of the fact that my term is over, but because of the fact that I will miss every single one of my board members. However, I know that I will meet them again one day in the future and it will bring both joy and tears to my eyes.

Looking back at it, it's amazing how an organization changed my life over the course of four years. It's been an experience and words simply can't describe the experience itself. Regardless of what position you are in right now, I hope that you will enjoy you experience and your time in Key Club because it's truly a life changing activity.

I hope to see you all in DC for ICON this July!

Yours in Service,

Jason Tran

2012-2013 Ohio District Treasurer

Key Club Alumni

imnotdan009

Visit Original Link

Thrift Shop (12S Edition)

(Hook) D12S South is back Do it for the world – serve with my division I - I - I’m servin - servin is the mission CNH is awesome (Verse 1) Walkup into the room, like “Hello, I’m here to serve you” Naw, I volunteered to lend a hand, not cause I had too Rep this little club holdin million waves of service You can bet that when you need a hand, Key club is determined Yeah, 12 south Villains in the house, get your facts right Fall Rally North Spirit Stick - yeah we won twice Green and the Gray, got about 11 different clubs too Real Villain W’Sup, bout to bring this to a part 2 Pride of a hero - Spirit of a villain Love to everybody, then kick back relax, chillin I’m on the way to Anaheim, on to the convention I could serve like everyday – with no complaints I have to mention From the left to the right – 12 south is here to fight You can get at one of our clubs – you in the dark – make ya see the light AHILL to EV to GTOWN to LELAND to OG to PIONEER to ST to SC to WG SOBRATO to YB LIKE WHY ME LIKE WHY COULDN’T I BE WITH 12SOUTH, well, beats me. Had a rockin last year, but this year should be better It’s sunny side up – go ahead and check the weather It’s a beautiful day in SJ and rockin out in Anaheim #Hashtag CaliNevHa this a trend tonight I could take $1.80 and donate to elimin8 Homie why you judging? Like “Hey man, now don’t hate” (Hook) D12S South is back Do it for the world – serve with my division I - I - I’m servin - servin is the mission CNH is awesome D12S South is back Do it for the world – serve with my division I - I - I’m servin - servin is the mission CNH is awesome (Verse 2) Watchu knowin about bein a Real Villain I - cannot stop, will.i.am got a feeling That we the true bees, finna keep the crowd buzzin Do this thang like everyday so I can show off all my lovin We baddest in the group, but only bad for the good Who ya think would volunteer out in the storm, we would Dats right, dedicated raisin $46 thousand Well maybe not alone, but CNH – we about it Raisin for a cause, PTP and Elimin8 March of Dimes, UNICEF, and more, you can give or take Rockin wit Kiwanis, and we doin it wit circle K Need a hand, no needa ask – you don’t even needa wait We can give you watchu want, we can give you watchu need We can do this thang for free, we don’t do it for the greed CNH is here to fight, caring be our way of life Doing this for all that’s good, doin all this cause it’s right I’mma take this challenge, i’mma change the whole world now Reppin 12S Real villains in the house now Keep it realistic – serving up with division Hopefully I’ll see a difference, a better type of vision Hah – I can bring in more peepz, to join in on the clubs son And s/o to the DGOV, CU Alyssa Yocom – HAH (Hook) D12S South is back Do it for the world – serve with my division I - I - I’m servin - servin is the mission CNH is awesome D12S South is back Do it for the world – serve with my division I - I - I’m servin - servin is the mission CNH is awesome (Verse 3) I wear that Green & Grey Villains are in this place I wear that Green and Grey Rep my division till this day I wear the Green & Grey Villains are in this place I wear that Green and Grey Rep my division till this day (Hook) D12S South is back Do it for the world – serve with my division I - I - I’m servin - servin is the mission CNH is awesome D12S South is back Do it for the world – serve with my division I - I - I’m servin - servin is the mission CNH is awesome

thekeystory

This is really cool! Good job! Probs to CNH

#key club #cnh #thrift shop #parody

For most of my middle school years, I had an inescapable feeling of having a big hole in my life. Other kids had piano, soccer, art or some other passion at the center of their world. I had no such passion. I quit piano after two years of lessons and played soccer for three years without managing to score a single goal. I had no idea what I could do to fill that emptiness. Then, a Christmas concert at a local nursing home changed all of that.

To tell the story, I have to begin with the countless trips I made with my mom to the public library. Every time, we drove by a small, isolated nursing home. My mom would often say how sad the residents looked, and that someone ought to do something nice for them.

Time went by, I started high school, joined Key Club and was elected freshman representative. When I was thinking of ideas for my first service project, I thought of that nursing home. Since many Key Club members had musical talent and it was holiday season, I decided to organize a Christmas concert. I brought together twenty volunteers and after a rehearsal, we were ready.

That night when we entered the nursing home, we felt uncomfortable at first; it smelled like medicine and cigarettes. There wasn’t much Christmas atmosphere except for a plastic Christmas tree in a corner. The residents were visibly confused about why we were there. That changed, however, once the music started. Throughout the evening, the residents made outbursts about how beautiful the music was. “That girl is the future!”, a man exclaimed from the back of the room while our violin prodigy, Lisa, was playing “Meditation de Thais”. A mute lady stood up for the piano piece “Lullaby of the Green Island” and slowly danced to it. My mom, who came with us, was moved to tears. At one point, a black lady leaned over to my friend Mendel and me and said “stay in school, and go to college if you can.”

For a kid who had never really felt useful or good at anything, this evening was overwhelming. It was so sweet to see my first project go well. The residents’ appreciation for our effort was heartwarming and the black lady’s concern for us was moving. Everyone felt connected through the music. I discovered the joy of bringing people together to make things happen. I was hooked.

The entire event only lasted a few hours, but its impact on me will be lifelong. A transformation began in me that night and I never felt aimless again. I began to take more initiative and found new drive in academics, sports, and everything else. Since that night, empowered with a sense of purpose, I haven’t stopped setting new goals and taking on new challenges.

Three years later, standing on the stage as I was elected International Trustee, I looked over at my fellow key clubbers, and couldn’t help but marvel at how far I had come.

Yours in Service, as always,

Marc Chen

P.S. I don't really understand tumblr, but this is so cool! :D

A Twist of Hope

Growing up, I had troubles with my weight and at home with my family. I was larger and I wasn't in the best home stay. I found myself the largest girl in some classes and no one would ever think of me to anywhere remotely as 'pretty.' As I got into high school, I went annorexic and changed everything about me. I found many more people liking and complimenting me. After awhile I started getting involved with drinking and partying, it wasn't that good at all. One day in band, I met this guy I really did like! We became great friends and I told him about all the great things I love to do within the community and how I'd love to do more! Turned out, he was the president of my schools Key Club and he actually got me to join on January 3rd of 2011. Key Club really got me involved in the community and got me off the streets away from alcohol. I ended up finding a guy who loved me for who I was and shared a passion for Key Club such as I. We built our Key Club back up from nothing and built a stable area for others to help grow as he would be leaving for college soon. After awhile we had broken up and he was trying to ruin any chances I had in Key Club. I ran for president and he had brought up that my band was very demanding and other flaws about me. I lost to a child who had attended only his 3rd meeting. I cried. I started to drink more. After this, I found strength in myself. I believed everything happens for a reason, right? So I called up my LTG. right away and informed him I wanted to run for LTG. even though my Districts DCON was only 3 weeks away. I ran for LTG. for my division and unfortunately, I didn't make it. About a week later, I had recieved a call from our Districts' Governor and she interviewed me. What seemed like forever later (2 weeks), I recieved an email that I was accepted on a position for my areas District Board! I was ecstatic!!

Later, I found I was only appointed to Head of the Awards Committee, but I was just glad I was a district board member! I was active, and took notes at our training just like I was an LTG., and 1 month later, I was appointed as the LTG. of a Division just north of me. Now, I'm juggling school life, social life, and Key Club. I have been sober for quite some time now and found another guy who will follow me along through all my Key Club work. I have surrounded myself with people who help me stay strong and be the person I should be. And I'm proud.

Jason Roman's Key Club Story

Freshman year, I joined Stage Crew over Key Club, and was taught that Key Club was just a waste of time. A year later, I decided Stage Crew was a waste of time and joined Baldwin High School Key Club. I really didn't do much outside of bake sales and the occasional event. I mostly joined because a past LTG told me about the amazing things Key Club did and I was so inspired so I joined. It wasn't until I attended my first DCON as a Sophmore that I truly understood what Key Club was. I became so inspired after that convention, I worked my butt off, went to every event, even became my Divisions EA, just so I could become LTG. I was so nervous the days leading up to my election, but eventually, I braved through it all and was humbled by my division choosing me to be LTG. Ever since that day, my passion for Key Club has grown. There are so many things I have been able to do because of Key Club. Before I joined Key Club, I never knew what The Eliminate Project was and that MNT was even a problem, but now, I get to help mother's and their children over seas have a chance at life through supporting The Eliminate Project. I get to meet some of the most amazing people ever and have the opportunity to work with them to support this organization. Even now, when I am in an area that has been devastated by Hurricane Sandy, Key Club has helped me be prepared for this day. After the hurricane hit, I have been working with my clubs to help plan events and raise money to help out those in my area that were affected. I do not do this because I feel obligated, I do this because I love helping others. Key Club has truly changed my life and my outlook on the world. I can never and will never forget these amazing times I have had, and the amazing people I have met in the process. I love the people on my board, the people in my division, and everyone who I have met throughout KCI. Being in Key Club has been so amazing for me, I would never trade this experience for anything in the world. Yours truly, Jason Roman Lieutenant Governor Division 7 New York District

Nabiha's Key Club Story

I joined the Ogdensburg Key Club in freshman year with my friends thinking that it would be a great way to hang out with them. Little did I know how big of a role it would have in my life. I really didn't get involved until the middle of my freshmen year, and I really didn't realized how much Key Club meant to me until after I ran for Lieutenant Governor two days before the elections after my club advisor encouraged me to do it. Even though I did not win my first election, I got very involved in Key Club and went on becoming my club secretary. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to my district's Leadership Training Conference, and I enjoyed being able to new people who were so enthusiastic about Key Club. I became actively involved my Sophomore year, and I really loved doing service projects from collecting goods for Hurricane Irene relief to being able to be a Chair for Santa Land where my club does arts and crafts with kids while parents are able to finish their Christmas shopping.

I ran for Lieutenant Governor again in my sophomore year, and so far it has been a great experience. I was able to become great friends with people on my New York district board, and I enjoyed every second of International Convention in Florida. Key Club this year made me realize that I don't know where I would be without it. Whether its curing MNT to collecting supplies for Hurricane Sandy relief, Key Clubbers truly impact their home, school, and community.

Proud to be in your service,

Nabiha Qudsi

New York District Key Club

Lieutenant Governor Division 24

Sai Vedati's Key Club Story

I honestly had know idea what Key club was, well I knew they didn't make keys but I didn't understand the scope of this organization. I joined as it was the thing to do at my school. Everyone joins, some say it looks good on college apps others say it's great to help the community. The first impression would be, oh.. it's just a service group, What? You recycle? No! We face world problems head to head, from Maternal Neonatal Tetanus to helping victims of a hurricane. But! How would a new member or any freshman know this? I walked in and out of those meetings from week to week still haven't missed one! Thus, I found myself more involved, I started chairing events, joined my board, and clearly I turned some faces. Going in to my Junior year, I knew it was time I took my time and commitment to another level. I wanted to become an Lieutenant Governor! I never even held an officer position, but I knew this won't happen over night. I understood the work and passion it takes to become an LTG, but I wasn't going to let someone win just because they held an officer position before. I felt out of touch with my old friends. but built so many great bonds with individuals who are my officers today. The same friends that encouraged me to attend convention, run and win LTG. Key club has not only shaped my social circle, but also my personality and confidence. Over these last few years I built so many great friendships with my members and my fellow LTGs on the Capital District board. Some memories and friends that I hope stay with me beyond high school and college.

Sai Vedati

Capital District LTG Division 12

Josh Hill's Story

It started in August right before my freshman year, I was standing in my friend's kitchen with her and her mom. Her mom said that my friend and I had to join either Rotary or Key Club. She said that Key Club did a camp out every year in the courtyard for the homeless of Rochester, NY. When I asked my guidance counselor about the two, he said he was the advisor for Key Club and said that the meeting would be the following day, Tuesday. So, my friend and I went to the meeting and were instantly fixed on it! The following meeting, I brought a couple more friends to come and join as well.

I had been helping out with a local K-Kids that had been charted when I was in 7th grade since their charter but I had not been in Builder's Club nor known anything about Key Club.

I began to go to events and then I heard the Key Club Lieutenant Governor of the time, Anna Glessner, talk at my sister's K-Kids pot luck dinner in November of my freshman year; and that is when I wanted to do more and I knew I could do more. I hadn't known, however, about the International aspects nor about the District aspects, as I knew many of my fellow Key Clubbers did not. I began to talk to some Kiwanians and Anna about becoming Lieutenant Governor. And in April of my freshman year, the dream came true, I ran unopposed and was elected a week before our DCON (LTC). That week was very hectic, getting everything I needed together and buying new clothes for the convention.

I arrived and was inducted a week after I was elected. I did not know anything really about Key Club. Anna and a Kiwanian, Jane Murray, helped me some but I did a lot of research on the organization, read the Guidebook (both International and New York's), e-mail many people and asked a lot of questions!

The first year I was Lieutenant Governor was tough, making sure all the clubs became truly active again, paid their dues on time, got all their paperwork in, were fundraising, doing service projects and following through with was Key Club stands for. Previously, some clubs had fallen behind and were close to being inactive completely. Now, I am in my second term as Lieutenant Governor, a Junior at Webster High School in Webster, NY and I am loving every minute. I have met so many more amazing people across International and my clubs are performing at a rate that when I first started I did not think could happen. I am truly blessed to have great support from the Finger Lakes Kiwanis Division and the Central Lakes Circle K Division as well as my teachers, friends, family and of course, my fellow Key Clubbers.

If it had not been for Key Club, I do not know where I'd be today. It has changed my life so significantly I cannot thank any Key Clubber enough. And, I wouldn't have met the amazing people of the New York District and I certainly wouldn't have become great friends with Kristy Wakulinski of the Southwest District and Ashley Carroll of the Capital District.

Thank you all again! Ashley and I cannot wait to see all the amazing Key Club stories there are out there in the world!

Josh Hill

Lieutenant Governor: Division 23

New York District

Ashley Carroll's Story.

Freshman year everyone tries to find their place its hard at first to find where you belong, its the jocks, genius or the artsy kids, but i couldn't pick one, i wanted something that has a part of everything. Key Club takes the idea of inclusiveness to a whole new level. The minute I walked into my first meeting, instantly felt at home. Key Club has facilitated my social skills with not only high school students from other schools, but also with Kiwanians.

Ashley Carroll

Capital District Lieutenant Governor Division 4C

The Origins

This blog was created by two Lieutenant Governors in December 2012: Josh Hill of the New York District and Ashley Carroll of the Capital District. We wanted to show Key Clubbers that there is so much more dedication and service going out there than just those in their own club or District. Therefore, in attempt to help spread the Key Club name, we created this blog: The Key Story.

The idea came about when Josh asked Ashley how could the stories of each individual Key Clubber be heard so that they may be celebrated in their dedication and service; the answer, to start a blog where they could post THEIR story!

Therefore, we leave with this: please add your story! Everyone's is unique and different and should be celebrated! So, please don't be afraid to share, after all, we all are caring leaders!

And maybe, just maybe, someone will finally end the asking of the age old question: Do you make keys?

Enjoy!

Yours in service and friendship,

Josh Hill & Ashley Carroll

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