At Community Tampa Bay, we believe that when young people see the world through each other’s eyes, they change it for the better. This Giving Tuesday, we’re sharing the voices of youth and beyond, who have been transformed through our programs — especially ANYTOWN®, our signature summer leadership program.
Leading up to Giving Tuesday, you’ll hear directly from the people whose worlds have been changed by dialogue, empathy, and action. Inspired by our popular ANYTOWN® icebreaker “In My World…,” each of their stories will begin with this same simple phrase, but reveals something extraordinary — a world that’s kinder, more just, and more inclusive because of Community Tampa Bay.
Kariel Tyndale, an ANYTOWN® Graduate and Counselor, shares how her world has been shaped by her experiences at ANYTOWN®. A Gibbs High School Alum, Kariel is currently a first year student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Audio Transcript: “In my world, cross-cultural interactions can shape the future. Learning about cross-cultural interactions from ANYTOWN® has really prepared me for changes in life that I never expected. Me coming to a place where people come from all over, really open my eyes to a lot more cross-cultural opportunities, whether that’s talking to a friend in class, giving someone directions to a specific place, or even just buying something from a pop-up stand. Without cross-cultural interactions, you miss out on so many eye-opening experiences. I say cross-cultural interactions shape the future because when you put two different ideas together, you get one even bigger invention. By bringing together different diverse perspectives, skills, and ideas, these interactions spark creativity and problem solving capabilities. Cross-cultural exchanges promote empathy and tolerance, breaking down stereotypes and building bridges between communities, which is crucial for fostering peaceful and cooperative international relations, and that’s what ANYTOWN® is all about. The future is in your hands, what will you do with it?”
Text: This Giving Tuesday, you can help us continue shaping this future. Your gift makes experiences like ANYTOWN® possible for young people across the Tampa Bay region.
