See how one student’s passion for the outdoors and community blossomed into a leadership role, inspiring others and shaping our organization. Written by Associate Director & Senior Instructor Chelsea Tossing.

One of our students, Jesse, first joined our school-based CAP Class as a middle school student during COVID; even online, it was obvious how engaged, thoughtful, and enthusiastic he was. In high school, Jesse went on to join our alumni Changemakers Outdoor Leadership Corps, and as a junior, he was part of our very first class of paid Changemaker Assistant Instructors. He took CAP (Community Adventure Program) Class as a teaching assistant in high school and was an invaluable community builder amongst his peers, many of whom were new to the country. This past summer, nearly five years after his first Cottonwood Institute program, we hired Jesse as a field instructor to lead one of our weeklong summer programs for other high school students.

Jesse has an incredible capacity to create inclusive groups where everyone feels welcomed and valued. His big laugh and palpable enthusiasm are contagious, and his insight has made us better instructors and a better organization. Of his experience, Jesse said, “Through Changemakers, I have become a strong and confident leader. Changemakers has provided a level of fulfillment no other extracurricular has in my life.”

While Cottonwood Institute and our programs certainly have had an impact on Jesse, Jesse has had an indelible impact on our organization. Jesse’s story– from student to instructor– exemplifies our vision to create an ecosystem of opportunity for students to develop their voice as leaders and changemakers in their communities.