My name is Madison Roberts and this is my 8th year with the project and my first year as a Rookie Team Captain. I was 13 years old on my first Diversity Project Trip back in 2004. Looking back I am shocked I even stepped foot on that Greyhound bus to Oklahoma.

But once I did, I never looked back.

I can't begin to tell you the world of experiences, learning and special moments the Diversity Project has given to me and, more importantly, enabled me to recognize. After high school, I had a strong desire to stay in the project and help give back in any way I could. Jeff told me that I had earned the right to be a Team Captain.

For me, it only seemed natural to help Scholars find their own path, as I had done and continue to do.  I am eager and excited to be on the other end of the magic!

I could tell you endless stories of the many influential people I’ve met - volunteers who taught me how to broaden my horizons - and the many voyages I’ve been on.

But first, let's back up. Back to the beginning of my journey, when the Diversity Project was a young sapling - not the Mighty Oak it has become. Some of the newer Scholars may be shocked to learn that back when I began: the only requirement you needed to fulfill to qualify for the annual trip was a 2 page essay.

Today we have Scholars performing in plays, raising awareness of those with special challenges with puppet shows, constructing ramps, adopting African orphans and diving into freezing water temperatures at the Polar Plunge - to name just a few. For crying out loud!!!  You know, I still can't believe I whined at doing a small, simple, easy, tiny paper.

Even thinking about the early years of the project and how far it has come makes me chuckle.

You can't imagine the growth this organization has been through. Beginning with our first year when we traveled to Gettysburg, the project went to a different location each summer to study a different aspect of diversity. We've ventured to Vicksburg - Talequah, Oklahoma - Chicago - the Great Smoky Mountains - New York City - Cody, Wyoming - Empire, Colorado - back to the Great Smoky Mountains - and we are headed to the Ozarks this summer.

I'm honored to help the next generation of Scholars on their journey with the project. And believe me, a journey it will be!  If the project continues to evolve and grow as much as it did throughout my tenure as a Scholar, then I can't wait to see what happens in the coming years.

There is even talk of traveling overseas some day.

Year by year, I believe, the project’s growth has slowly evolved out of three very basic realities: the connections we have, ideas we share with one another and the adventures we willingly step into.

The McLean County Diversity Project allows each scholar to not only experience something new and extraordinary, but take from those experiences and become a better person.

Being a part of the project for so many years has been a blessing.
The project has given me a lifetime of memories and experiences to branch off of, to build upon and to grow.

I am a more confident, open-minded person than I could have ever imagined.

I am aware and accepting of the differences that reside in us all.
If I could speak with that squeamish 13 year-old I once was; I would push her right into that bus and say: "Don’t look back! You’ll be amazed at what you see ahead."

Madison continues to forge ahead. In addition to her work with the Project, she attends Heartland Community College and works as a freelance photographer.