By Ashley Smith, Summer Programs Intern
In the YTA: An Interview with
Claudia Amato
”Remember that youth are here to help, and we also want to be heard. Give us the resources to grow with you so that we can make our really good ideas come to life.
In this interview, Claudia Amato, a 2022-2023 Young Texan Ambassador shares her experience working with adult partners to achieve community goals. Visit the Young Texan Ambassador webpage to learn even more about the program and access resources to share with your community.
1. How did you find out about the Young Texan Ambassador Program and why did you get involved?
Claudia: YTA was brought up to me by a community member because I was the Energy & Environment chair for Student Council at my school. She saw the work I was doing and asked if I would be interested. I looked into it and realized I loved everything the program stood for and the opportunities it would give me.
2. How did you work with your local affiliate during your time as a Young Texan Ambassador?
Claudia: I worked with Keep Plainview Beautiful, and it was a new experience working as the only youth with a bunch of adults who had been doing this work for a while. Keep Plainview Beautiful was so supportive and helped me with organizing details for my clean-up, finding volunteers, and having everything that I needed to be successful.
3. How can programs, such as YTA, keep youth engaged and excited throughout the year?
Claudia: Having a supportive team and community behind KTB’s initiative for a better future was inspiring and instrumental in promoting engagement and collaboration. Together we created amazing moments of change and knowing I had the help allowed me to execute my requirements beyond expectations and ensured a positive impact on my community. The support system from both my affiliates and school were truly phenomenal and created a big moment in making what YTA members do a fun and meaningful opportunity. Together we made Plainview Beautiful.
4. What do you think is important for adults to know and think about when working with youth?
Claudia: I think one of the biggest things adults should remember is to be open minded. We all have our own perspectives and ideas on how we want things done. Remember that youth are here to help, and we also want to be heard. My affiliate was great at taking my ideas and helping me adjust them to be achievable. Give us the resources to grow with you so that we can make our really good ideas come to life.
About Madeline
Claudia Amato was a 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Young Texan Ambassador. Claudia is a rising freshman at Abilene Christian University studying psychology. In her free time, Claudia enjoys baking, cooking, singing, and spending time outside.
This interview is part of a series of interviews by former Young Texan Ambassadors on various themes. Check out Madeline Wright’s interview on what inspired her community project or Jamea Johnson’s thoughts on the impact of her work.
