[Video description can be found below. If you use a screen reader and need to access the English caption file transcript, go to "More..." and click on "Transcript"]

Sammi, past YAP Participant shares her experience from 2016. #NADYAP

APPLY TODAY, before Feb. 1st (TOMORROW): Link


VIDEO DESCRIPTION AND TRANSCRIPT: Sammi is inside with a blurry background. A small white NAD logo appears on bottom right corner.

SAMMI: Hi! My name is Sammi. I was involved in NAD YAP back in 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. That was two years ago! I am here to tell you why you should join YAP this summer in Connecticut!

ON SCREEN TEXT GRAPHIC with red background and white text: Why did you sign up for this one-of-a-kind experience as a YAP contestant?

SAMMI: So, why did I participate in NAD YAP? I was nervous to join at first but many of my close friends encouraged me to be part of the competition. I was also going through some personal changes at that time and wasn’t sure if I should. I realized I had a strong intuition, I knew I had to follow it! I am really glad I took that chance because NAD YAP is such an amazing opportunity, it is impossible to get the same experience elsewhere.

ON SCREEN TEXT GRAPHIC with red background and white text: How did you benefit from YAP experience?

SAMMI: In what ways did YAP experience benefit you? Well, two things. First, before I joined, I was a people pleaser. I would say or do things for people to like me. I knew my topic was not something everyone agreed with. My platform was from a personal experience and I spoke from my heart. That experience taught me to be stronger and bold. I encourage others to stick to their dreams even if other people may not agree with it. Secondly, networking was a huge benefit! I met so many wonderful people. YAP really encouraged us to meet people during the program. Eventually someone I met helped me land a full time job!

ON SCREEN TEXT GRAPHIC with red background and white text: What was your most memorable experience of YAP?

SAMMI: What experience do you cherish the most? The competitors. You would think because it was a competition, it meant we were running against each other but it was quite the opposite! We supported and encouraged each other. Everyone’s topics were different, so it was nice to support their platforms. We still keep in touch even after the competition was over, as friends. They’re like a new family for me. Well, there ya go! I hope you feel inspired and convinced to join YAP this summer. You can bet I will see you there!

Video fades to a soft white background with several different font types showing "NAD" very quickly. Copyright video ends with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) logo centered. Blue text below the logo appears, "The National Association of the Deaf / (copyright) 2018 All Rights Reserved / Link ". After a few beats, a yellow highlight appears with the URL.