Mayor Walsh Visits YES; Inspires YES Youth to Pursue a Pathway to Success

City of Boston Mayor, Martin J. Walsh, visited Youth Enrichment Services (YES) on Thursday, March 9 and spoke to youth about civic issues and his personal journey into leadership.

Mayor Walsh talked to YES’s young people about how he overcome obstacles in his life, including cancer as a child and substance abuse as a young adult, and how his struggles shaped him into the strong individual he is today. Mayor Walsh urged YES youth to not let personal struggles or hardship define who they are. “Pursue what you want to do no matter what the obstacles are.”

After sharing his personal story, the Mayor engaged youth in a discussion about current issues facing Boston and the country including the Boston 2030 plan, Build Boston Public Schools plan, and the recent immigration ban. He encouraged YES teens to get involved, come together, and stand up for others’ rights.

Following the discussion, Mayor Walsh opened up the floor for Questions & Answers. YES teens asked the mayor about a wide range of topics including public schools, community college, the city budget, and more light-hearted topics such as the Mayor’s favorite place to eat.

Mayor Walsh couldn’t leave YES without getting VIP treatment in the YES Ski and Snowboard Rental Shop. Teens fitted the mayor for skis and the perfect pair of yellow ski boots.

“It was a true honor to host Mayor Walsh at YES. The mayor has been a long-time supporter of YES and a strong advocate for investing in our city’s youth,” said YES Executive Director, Bryan Van Dorpe, “I hope that the Mayor’s personal story of overcoming obstacles inspires YES youth to overcome challenges they may face in life and stay on a pathway to success.”