YLS Member Spotlight: Paul Pabst
I have been involved with the United Way Young Leaders Society’s Member Development committee since 2007.
The first event I attended was the Winter Cheer event, and although I didn’t know anyone there going in, I made several new friends before I left. After a couple months of attending YLS events I finally seized an opportunity to join the Member Development Committee.
My favorite YLS memory is undoubtedly the Exelon event with Frederick Douglass High School, where we assisted with the professional development of high school students. They were matched up with young professionals for one-on-one help with interviewing, drafting a resume and career guidance.
Among the bright and motivated students, one freshman in particular shared my passion for electrical engineering. I was floored. Not many students want to become engineers, and to know the exact engineering discipline was even more impressive. With my background in engineering, I was immediately drawn to him and we talked about renewable energy design, the work ethic required, and the benefits (who doesn’t love seeing windmills producing clean energy and powering your lives?). I gave him my business card and told him to continue working hard and maintaining good grades. I assured him that I would be there for him whenever he started applying to colleges. This was two years ago and I look forward to the day I hear from him.
This is just one of the many unique experiences I have found through my involvement with YLS. Never before have I been given the opportunity to affect classrooms full of high school students and provide them with guidance at a critical turning point in their lives.
I continue to LIVE UNITED as I take on the Chair role of the Member Development Committee this July, and I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead with YLS.
Paul Pabst
S&C Electric Co.
& YLS 2010 Member Development Chair
I remember that event at Exelon event. It was great! I really hope that you hear from that student. Very cool story.