Julie’s Journey with FLY – A Youth Leadership Story
A New Beginning at Berkeley
When I first joined the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), I was in the middle of one of the biggest transitions of my life. I had just gotten off probation in a different county and was trying to adjust as a transfer student at UC Berkeley. It wasn’t easy. I struggled with housing instability, imposter syndrome, and a lack of confidence because I didn’t fit the mold of a traditional student. Everything felt unfamiliar.
Through Berkeley Underground Scholars, a program for system-impacted and formerly incarcerated students, I met Azadeh, the program coordinator. She introduced me to YAC and encouraged me to apply. I had no idea then how much it would change my life.
Finding a Community That Felt Like Home
YAC gave me something I didn’t even realize I was searching for: a sense of belonging. More than that, it gave me a chance to do work I truly care about. With the support of my youth coach, T, and my program manager, Jessica, I started developing leadership skills and gaining access to resources I didn’t have before—transportation, school supplies, and connections to professionals who helped me see new possibilities for my future.
Becoming a Leader and an Advocate
During my time with YAC, I got to be part of workshops, legislative advocacy, and community-building efforts. One of my biggest projects was developing and leading a workshop on the school-to-prison pipeline for high school students.
I wanted to make sure the workshop wasn’t just another lecture. I designed it with a modern, engaging style, using interactive games and icebreakers to keep the youth involved. It was important to me that they saw how these systemic issues weren’t just concepts—they were real forces shaping their lives and communities.
Beyond workshops, I also learned about the criminal justice system in depth. I attended public hearings, spoke at government meetings, and even participated in state-level advocacy in Sacramento, working on issues like the Youth Bill of Rights.
From YAC to the Alameda Public Defender’s Office
The experiences I gained through YAC helped me take my next big step: working full-time as a Client Advocate for the Alameda Public Defender’s Office. Now, I get to support people who are navigating the system—something I understand on a personal level.
YAC also gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Bay Area youth, which has been invaluable in my work. Without this experience, I wouldn’t have the same perspective or confidence that I bring to my role today.
Looking Ahead
As I finish my last cohort with YAC, I’m making the most of my final months, diving into our last projects with everything I’ve got. But even after I age out of the program, I know this isn’t the end of my journey with YAC.
“The YAC has left a lasting impact on me, and I hope to stay connected and give back to the program that has given me so much.”
I came into YAC feeling uncertain and out of place. Now, I’m walking away with confidence, experience, and a passion for advocacy. My next goal is law school, and I know that everything I’ve learned here will stay with me as I take that next step.
Written by:
Julie – Youth Advisory Council Member 2023-2025