FreeState invests in our youth through opportunities to provide experiences that guide students to develop leadership and communication skills. Students went through a competitive application process where they prepared an application and an essay and then were selected for an interview where they earned the opportunity to represent FreeState.
Meet Ava, the 2024 Leadership Camp Delegate
My name is Ava Gustin, and I attend Mission Valley High School located in Eskridge. At my school, I enjoy interacting with younger students and participating in community service. I live in a rural part of Carbondale. While at home, I love to garden, read, bake and hang out with my family. I have two older sisters. One currently lives in Kansas City after she recently graduated from Kansas State University. The other lives in Manhattan and is a current K-State student. My family is full of K-Staters as my mom really enjoys cheering on the wildcats. During the summer, 4-H is one of my favorite activities and I love feeding pigs with my dad, sewing outfits for the fashion revue, and mentoring younger members.
Excerpt from Ava’s Essay About Her Mentor
When people think of a leader, they might think of someone who has made great social change. But for me, it is more personal. My hero is my grandmother, Nancy Faimon. She taught me to love and respect other beings and showed kindness to everyone.
As a child, I remember walking down Grandma’s long driveway to see baby bunnies in the barn. She was my idol and instilled in me a love for the outdoors and animals. When my parents went on a date, I would go to Grandma’s house. She kept Oatmeal Creme Pies in her closet for her grandkids and we would stay up playing Monopoly. Grandma was always hardworking and never complained.
Grandma showed me that leadership is not about being front and center. She made holidays about her family and put others above herself. She made me feel special and was my number one cheerleader. She gave my sisters and me a bear that sang “Shining Star” by the Manhattans.
Grandma was authentic and did not care about appearances. Her priority was her family. She treated everyone the same, regardless of their background or wealth. She had a “glass half full” outlook and was a calming presence.
One day, Grandma forgot to pick us up from school. We later learned she had Alzheimer’s. But she remained strong and did not take her issues out on others. Now, she is in the progression of her disease to forget me, but I will never forget the impact she had on my life. She was always there for me, and now it is time for me to repay her kindness by serving others as she served me.