Diana Nichols - #whyswift

Welcome to the happiest place on Earth!

My name is Diana Nichols and I’m currently a Junior attending Arizona State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. I am majoring in Communications with a minor in Business and a certificate in Business Innovation and Entrepreneurial studies.
 
Swift Youth Foundation has been a part of my life since the summer of 2007. I remember leaving Phoenix, Arizona with gushing tears from my eyes, because it was the first time I left home without my family. Little did I know, five wonderful days later, I would come home with even stronger tears, now knowing Swift had been the best experience in my life. 

Since then, I re-engaged with Swift Youth Foundation as a counselor. Finding my way as a teenager, I learned to love this organization. It was where I wanted to be every Wednesday afternoon and every Saturday morning. Every single summer since, I have not missed a life-changing session of Camp Swift.
 
I love this place more than words can explain. It is everything that I stand for in life. It has created my morality and really shaped the type of human being I aspire to be. I believe kindness is powerful, and children are the heart of the world we live in. In all, the future we hope to see for generations to come. I know in my career and forever more I will want to work with children. Without them, I will not be in my greatest state of happiness.

​Through Swift, I’ve discovered my self-worth and how my beauty can be more than just skin deep. I’ve learned not to judge people by what they look like but by their sense of character. That I can be whoever I want to be, and in a room full of people and feel accepted for who I am. And most importantly, that a future, even from where I come from, is more than just possible, it is real.
 
Swift has been the most life-fulfilling experience I've ever known. This most recent summer (2016), I became a Unit Head for the first time. Being a mentor and leader for counselors and kiddos was the ULTIMATE gift, and best experience thus far. 

"Being a mentor and leader for counselors and kiddos was the ULTIMATE gift, and best experience thus far."

​Every single time I leave this place I leave with more. I now see that it is my turn to make an impact and give back a piece of things that I was once given. From camper, to counselor, to Unit Head, the transformation has been extraordinary and beyond my wildest dreams. Swift will forever have a special place in my heart and every single moment and memory that I have created here, I will always take with me and share it with the world. Thank you once again Camp Swift for being my reason to live.
 
With Peace, Love, and Complete Happiness,
Diana Nichols 
​
Diana Nichols is a student at Arizona State University. Former camper, counselor, and Unit Head, Diana is currently a dedicated volunteer with the Swift Youth Foundation. 

Learn how to get involved with Swift Youth Foundation as a volunteer or committee member swiftyouthfoundation.org/volunteer. Visit/donate swiftyouthfoundation.org/donate to see how your donations directly impact our mission.