This summer, I did something a little different. No, I didn’t backpack across Asia or learn to bake the perfect chocolate souffle (although both are on my bucket list). Instead, I took a small break from research and dove headfirst into the nonprofit world through my fellowship at Young Futures, embarking on a mission to make the digital world an easier place to grow up. We address the digital tension that teens face on a daily basis by funding solutions that foster social connections and combat the loneliness epidemic1 through the inaugural YF funding challenge. Between virtual (dream) team meetings, an in-person retreat, and connecting with amazing Young Futures innovators (a.k.a. our grantees), this summer at Young Futures (YF) wasn’t just about another internship to add to my growing resume; it was about building something meaningful and, most importantly, life-changing for myself and everyone around me.
For those who don’t know, Young Futures is a new nonprofit that launched in March 2024 to help pre-teens and teens foster deeper, more meaningful social connections in a world that can sometimes feel like people are stuck to their screens. As a digital native who grew up with technology, I brought in the fresh perspective of a Gen Z-er who follows trends on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat—you name it. In light of recent social media controversies, my advocacy with teens’ relationship with tech isn’t saying that all tech is bad, but rather that we should restructure the conversation around how technology impacts youth well-being and how we can partner with young people to address their critical needs. Technology isn’t the enemy; after all, where would we be without search engines and FaceTime? Instead, we need to focus on creating safe, supportive spaces for young people to thrive, whether online or offline.
One of my favorite parts of the job was that every day was different. Sure, there were the usual emails, Slack messages, and occasional meetings, but the conversations were the heart of the work. The internal team didn’t just discuss deliverables; we talked about why we were doing this—what it means to help someone feel seen, heard, and connected. There was purpose in our work and an undeniable drive in all of us to carefully select mission-aligned grantees and build out the YF Academy to provide grantees a toolkit for success. From week one, I quickly realized that we weren’t just building a nonprofit; we were building a community.
Plus, I got to work with some of the most passionate, smart, and funny people. The Young Futures team was small but mighty, and every Zoom call struck a perfect balance between productivity and humor (because who doesn’t need a good gif or two to get through the day?).
Working at YF placed me in a room with some of the nation’s most brilliant nonprofit leaders who were leading the conversation on teens and tech, a.k.a. our YF innovators. I met a former teacher who brought hip hop into the classroom, a youth activist who developed an anti-cyberbullying app, a family member who made it their life goal to ensure that people feel less lonely, and the list goes on. I supported the YF Academy, a toolbox of masterclasses, office hours, and peer circles to equip these YF Innovators with some practical tools to pull from their back pockets. From someone who is still in school, this YF Academy was learning in the coolest way possible!
How does all this nonprofit work relate to my college experience?
It has everything to do with it—students scrolling on their phones as they’re strolling on campus, rapid typing echoing in the “no-talking” library floors, PowerPoint slide decks flashing in the front of classrooms. The truth is, technology is all around us, especially college students. I can’t go a day without writing notes on my iPad, sending emails on my laptop, or scrolling through TikTok. But how do we connect when we are so immersed in the digital world?
From my work at Young Futures, I realize that we could all be doing a better job of connecting with each other online and offline. It all starts with a simple text. “Hey! How have you been?” can reignite a conversation from a friend that I haven’t seen in weeks (because time flies when assignments pile up). Even with a busy schedule, we all need to eat, right? I’ve started making time to grab food with friends—catching up over lunch or dinner isn’t a waste of time; it’s a way to stay grounded and connected.
As I transition back into the world of classrooms and bustling students, I realize that my time at Young Futures won’t just be a nice “summer experience” to put on my resume. It’s something that I’ll carry with me into everything that I do—student organizations, group projects, and even casual interactions with friends. I’ve learned that fostering real connections takes effort, but it’s the most rewarding kind of effort that can be made.
So, here’s to a summer well spent—not on a beach or in a cafe, but at Young Futures, where I discovered that making a difference starts with genuine connection. My role at Young Futures is similar to that of a new football coach, as I, a novice contributing to the strategy in real-time on the sidelines, am 110% in on the game plan with my coaches and the football team. Because standing up for a world where young people feel like they have agency in their digital tools isn’t just my battle to fight; it’s a team effort.
If you ever get a chance to work for a nonprofit or follow a passion that excites you, do it. It might just change the way you see the world—and yourself.
Now, I’m looking forward to continuing my fellowship at Young Futures this semester while staying connected with friends and family amidst a busy college schedule.