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Southwest
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Reflecting on Being an IMD Youth Leader: Christine Anderson
I'm Determined Youth Leader Alumna: Era 3
Meet Christine: “Hello, My name is Christine Anderson. I’m from Christiansburg, Virginia. I have autism. I started I’m Determined in seventh grade. I was a participant at first. Then Keli Bradbury asked me if I wanted to be a Youth Leader and I said yes. I started to become a Youth Leader when I was in eighth grade. I was a group leader for eight years. I participated in I’m Determined Summits for nine years. I really enjoyed the Summit meetings. I got to meet new people and make new friends. I’m Determined helped me learn how to make goals for myself and taught me to keep a positive attitude, use self determination, and strength to achieve my goals . My goals were to finish high school and go to college. I graduated from high school in 2021. Then I went to New River Community College and Radford University. I also took online classes from Berklee College of Music from Boston Massachusetts. I completed a music certificate in voice technique and musicianship. My present goal is finding a job.”
“Being in the I’m Determined program, gave me the confidence to perform in a Christmas Cantata in December 2025 in front of a large congregation. In addition, I have been able to perform for other audiences.”
-Christine
Questions / Answers from Reeve:
- How did I’m Determined allow you to become more self-determined? How have you led a self-determined life since then?
- “I’m Determined allowed me to become more self-determined by helping me grow and become more confident. The confidence and determination helped me to speak in front of an audience of parents and students.”
- What is a memory you have with I’m Determined that stands out to you and why?
- “My favorite memory with I’m Determined that stands out to me is when I got to sing karaoke at the summit. Garvin was the best DJ. And I loved dancing.”
- If you could say something to your younger self (before discovering I’m Determined) what advice would you give them? How have you grown since then?
- “If I could say something to my younger self, I would tell my younger me “believe in yourself” and follow your dreams.”