Pope youth recognized for achievements Published April 20, 2007 By Airman Mindy Bloem 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Selection for Youth of the Year is based on finding the right young person who personifies strong character qualities of leadership, high standards of moral character and service. These individuals must be actively involved in making a difference in their schools and community. One such individual has been found in our midst. Miss Brittany Willis, a member of the Youth Center on Pope, has received the Youth of the Year award for demonstrating excellent character through her service and leadership abilities. Miss Willis, who has received a host of awards and accolades throughout her young life, is no stranger to helping out, and even credits her home life with teaching her the value of giving back. It was during her father's recent deployment that Miss Willis was forced to take on a more active role in her home. "I had always actively participated in chores around the house: mowing and doing yard work, laundry, vacuuming, and the like. However, it wasn't until my dad left that my chores grew to include a larger role in the family's affairs: helping my mom transport my siblings to and from school, piano lessons, school activities, grocery shopping, as well as helping her plan and organize schedules." Miss Willis is grateful for these experiences for it has helped her gain a deeper understanding of what is important in life, she said. "I think it is important to try to make a difference in people's lives," said Miss Willis. "Interacting with others has forced me to get to know myself. I am figuring out who I am by what I am doing for others." Miss Willis realizes that some of her peers may not understand why a teenage girl might be willing to miss a school dance or some other fun event for volunteer work. "Some of my peers see it as work, but it is not work to me," said Miss Willis. Feeling like I made a difference makes me feel good, and I am enjoying myself." The reason Miss Willis feels so strongly about making a difference is due largely to her Christian faith. "I am living my life for Christ," said Miss Willis. "My only hope is that others can see that in me through my actions." One person who has seen the difference Miss Willis is making is Mr. Armond Biggers, the youth program director at the Youth Center. "You could give her a piece of clay, and, I swear, she would make a walkin', talkin' human out of it because she shapes and molds," said Mr. Biggers. Miss Willis admits that she loves to help and encourage others. She makes time out of her busy schedule to volunteer at Cape Fear Health System to be a source of strength and comfort to the patients there. "A great ambition of mine is to become a nurse and to help others," Miss Willis said. "I want to impact others in a way that changes lives and brings people a kind of happiness they otherwise may not experience. Their needs will always come before my own, and I love to see them smile." "Brittany is like a dream weaver," said Mr. Biggers. "If you told her your dream, she would help to make it a reality." In an essay on character, Miss Willis puts into perspective why she is so driven to make the world a better place. "Moral character is not just something made up in fairy tales," stated Miss Willis. "It is a belief we hold deep within ourselves, a standard we hold ourselves to on a daily basis." At the end of her essay on character, she poses a probing question to her readers "This is my character. What is yours?"