By David Major
Being part of such a strong team here at YACC gave me the confidence and support I needed to tackle assignments and grow both personally and professionally. From day one I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the strength of a team that has overcome countless obstacles, and achieved so much together to support their community. This strength created a supportive space where I felt encouraged to take on tasks, ask questions, and trust my abilities to contribute meaningfully. It also showed me how a strong team is the backbone of any successful organization. The strength of this team not only drives our mission forward, but also creates a safe and supportive environment.
This team’s courage in facing challenges and adapting to change has truly inspired me. I witnessed how you have approached difficult situations with bravery and optimism, whether it was navigating unexpected roadblocks like the Canada Post strike or constantly embracing new ways to support the community. It was great to see that you all had the courage to reach out to one another for support. Admittedly, when I learned I would be the value speaker for our December team meeting, I was a little bit nervous. However, this team’s encouragement has given me the confidence to present today. Courage is not just about being brave and facing challenges, it is about embracing personal growth and taking steps forward.
Your commitment to supporting our community of young adult cancer survivors will forever inspire me. This value truly stood out during the planning of the Survivor Conference, where I saw you all go above and beyond to ensure every detail contributed to an unforgettable experience for our attendees. Your willingness to put in the extra time and effort, even when challenges arose, was truly inspiring and I was honoured to be able to help out with the planning of such a meaningful event. Watching this team work tirelessly to uphold your promises to the YACC community truly shows the power of passion and perseverance. Your commitment is not just a duty, it is part of your culture. This has truly left a lasting impression on me and will serve as a powerful reminder of how dedication and commitment can turn goals into reality and will inspire me to approach every task I face in the future with the same level of commitment.
The heart of YACC is what I think I will cherish most. From day one, I felt a sense of belonging and inclusion, even as the newest and least experienced member of the team. The respect, care, and camaraderie I saw among you all was remarkable. You didn’t treat me as only a temporary addition, but as a valued part of the team. This sense of belonging was reinforced daily, whether it was through celebrating successes, supporting one another during tough times, or simply sharing laughs during team meetings. Time and time again I saw you all embodied values that created a workplace culture where everyone felt supported. This sense of heart wasn’t just limited to your interactions with each other, it extended to the way you support your community with empathy and genuine care. This is a quality I will always strive to carry with me.
As I reflect on my time here at YACC, I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing team. The values of strength, courage, commitment, and heart are not just ideals here at YACC, they are present daily in every action, interaction, and initiative. These values have not only shaped my work term but also left a lasting impact on me as a person. I have learned the importance of teamwork, resilience, and unwavering dedication to a mission, lessons that will guide me in my future endeavours. Being part of this team has been an honour and privilege, and I will carry the inspiration with me for years to come.
Thank you all for welcoming me, supporting me, and allowing me to witness the incredible impact of YACC’s work firsthand.
