“To the Ones I’ll Never Forget”

(Poem By Amaya O'Leary RYLA Candidate 2025)

In a blink, the days flew past,

But the bonds we’ve made will always last.

RYLA wasn’t just a camp or place,

It was hearts colliding, soul to face.

A space of warmth, no masks, no fear—

Just voices saying, “You belong here.”

We laughed beneath the movie night sky,

Popped corn, shared thoughts, let time pass by.

The Ry-mazing Race had us sprinting with cheer,

With strangers who slowly became so dear.

In Disney fits, we danced like kids,

No judgment, just joy, and sparkly lids.

Then came formal night, suits and gowns,

Elegance painted across all the towns.

And trivia sparked both laughs and fights—

But all in love, those RYLA nights.

And while the memories shine so bright,

It’s what we learned that lit the night.

Leadership Traits gave us the core,

To lead with heart—and serve, not score.

Growth Mindset whispered, “You’re not done.

You fail, you try, you rise—you run.”

Leading from within, we saw the spark,

That leadership’s born deep in the dark.

Not in titles, or loud demands,

But in quiet hearts and open hands.

The Power of Networking showed us the key,

That people connect where truth runs free.

We crafted solutions, bold and real,

To change the world with soul and steel.

We asked “Who am I?” and looked inside—

And found strength we never had to hide.

We learned to balance this chaotic life,

To make room for peace in the midst of strife.

We shifted from surviving to thrive,

Found parts of us awake and alive.

And we learned there’s power in being uncomfortable, too—

It’s where the growth cracks right through you.

Through DE&I storytelling, we gave voice to pain,

And built a world that’s kind, not vain.

And then came the path we’ll never forget—

Servant Leadership, the purest yet.

To serve, to care, to walk beside—

That’s where true leadership will always reside.

It’s not about praise or power or might,

But lifting someone else into their light.

Then came Nick, with truth laid bare,

Judgment & Rejection—what we all fear.

He showed us how we wear those chains,

How letting go begins real change.

Cam followed next, heart full and wide,

Sharing what it means to be alive inside.

His story, soft and real and true,

Reminded us that life sees you through.

And then Ethan—his voice a flame,

Becoming the Person You Needed by name.

His words cut deep, then held us tight,

A storm of tears lit up the night.

We all were silent, some tried to stay tough,

But in that moment—he gave us enough.

And as our hearts still held that ache,

We took one last walk to the lake.

No words were needed, none were planned,

Just stars above, and hand in hand.

A sacred stillness filled the air—

And in that quiet… we were fully there.

And me? I had a team so rare,

The Cyan Capybaras—none could compare.

With Jack, JJ, Ben, Ashlee, Joel, and Storm,

Each day with them, my heart grew warm.

We trusted, laughed, and held each space,

With kindness, teamwork, truth, and grace.

And to our leaders—Liz and Mat,

I couldn’t imagine a better match.

Mat, with your dolphins and photography tale,

A boy who found joy where others might fail.

You showed us that passion doesn’t need to be loud—

Just honest and pure, and quietly proud.

And Liz, with your energy, power, and fun,

Every warm-up felt like a race we’d won!

You’d shout “Mangos!” just out of the blue—

And somehow, it always uplifted the crew.

Your presence, your strength, your way to lead,

Gave us all exactly what we’d need.

To Cassie and Keishan, thank you, too—

None of this magic could happen without you.

To every leader, mentor, and behind-the-scenes soul,

You helped shape our stories, you helped make us whole.

This wasn’t just a camp. It was light. It was love.

It was strength from within and push from above.

Since it wasn’t the time to say goodbye yesterday,

Now today is finally the time—to part ways.

To the people who made this feel like home,

You’re no longer strangers—I’m not alone.

You became a family, stitched to my heart,

And saying goodbye now is the hardest part.

I’ll miss you all more than words can show,

But our RYLA light will continue to glow.

This bond, this fire, this RYLA flame.

Because real connections never sever—

And RYLA hearts beat on… forever.

So here’s to the memories, the tears and cheer—

And know that I’ll carry you all near.

With love that’s deep and bonds held tight,

Thank you, RYLA, for changing my life.

I love you.

I’ll miss you.

This isn’t the end—just a new kind of start.