I have recently been a participant of the Leadership Cayuga Class of 2008, and I am saddened to see it end. What an amazing and wonderful opportunity to have been given, I am truly thankful.

First off, I cannot begin without mentioning Ginny Kent, who is the coordinator of this excellent community program and truly thank her for all of her hard work and dedication. She really did a tremendous job. Secondly, I would like to thank Anne McCarthy of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Cayuga County for her generously sponsoring me with this amazing opportunity and lastly, the numerous volunteers who helped at each Leadership session, who are too many to mention.

Leadership Cayuga is not just a group of people working on a project, nor is it a commitment of hard work over the span of a six-month time frame. Leadership Cayuga is a program that works to inspire an individual into becoming a better person, it envelopes learning about numerous topics involving education, government, emotional intelligence, economics, history, community survival and so much more. Leadership Cayuga teaches you and gives you encouragement on how to move forward in your life and be an inspirational leader. Leadership Cayuga gives you guidance to make better choices. For someone who has lived in this community all of her life, not only did I have the opportunity to meet 26 complete strangers (who happen to be 26 outstanding individuals) and spend six months with them, but I have also met numerous people in this community who are part of what makes this such a great place to live. These individuals are phenomenal people, you need to get out into the community and meet them.

Leadership Cayuga will be seeking new participants for the Class of 2009. As a recent graduate, I implore you to become a participant. Not only will it enhance your life, it will inspire changes in you as a person that you may not even have thought possible!

P.S. - Just for the record, Leadership Cayuga Class of 2008 is the best class yet!

Suzanne Hai

Auburn

Hai is coordinator with the Cayuga Health Network Inc.