Meet Corbin, Be Strong’s National Student Volunteer Spotlight!
When Corbin first heard about Be Strong in 2020, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He was a freshman navigating high school life when his school counselor pulled him aside. She had seen something in him – leadership, empathy, and a spark to make a difference – and she nominated him to join.
“I wasn’t sure what I was getting into,” Corbin admits with a smile, “but once I got involved, I knew it was where I was meant to be.”
That decision would become a defining moment in his life. Four years later, at just 17 years old and in his senior year, Corbin is a proud Be Strong Student State Representative, using his voice and actions to change the culture of his school.
Finding a Family in Be Strong
For Corbin, the heart of Be Strong is the connections. “Be Strong feels like a family where everyone genuinely supports each other,” he says. “You don’t just meet people; you build relationships that matter.”
Those relationships extend beyond the program’s events. Corbin leads a peer group he meets with regularly, a circle of students committed to encouraging each other, sharing ideas, and creating a more positive and welcoming school environment. “We all have the same goal, making sure no one feels left out,” he explains.
Why Inclusion Matters to Him
Corbin’s passion for inclusion is rooted in his own experience. When he moved to a new school, he walked into a cafeteria filled with established friend groups. “Everyone already had their friend groups, and it felt like there wasn’t a spot for me,” he remembers.
It was a lonely moment, but one that shaped his perspective. “That experience made me determined to reach out to new students and people who seem left out,” he says. “I never want anyone to feel the way I did in that moment.”
Through Be Strong, Corbin learned how powerful small actions can be. Whether it’s checking in on someone having a bad day, inviting them to join in an activity, or simply offering a listening ear, he knows these moments can change someone’s outlook.
Moments That Matter
One of Corbin’s favorite memories in Be Strong was leading a school-wide kindness challenge. “Watching everyone participate and seeing the impact it had on people’s moods reminded me how powerful unity and kindness can be,” he says.
That challenge was more than just an activity, it was a moment that shifted the energy of his school. Students smiled more, barriers broke down, and people connected in ways they hadn’t before. It was proof to Corbin that kindness spreads quickly when someone takes the first step.
Growing Into Leadership
Throughout his time in Be Strong, Corbin has grown not just in skill, but in self-awareness. “I’ve learned that my voice matters and I can make a difference even if I’m not the loudest person in the room,” he says.
To him, being a leader means leading by example, showing respect to everyone, and having the courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy, and even if he has to stand alone. “Sometimes leadership is about being the person willing to take that first step when no one else will,” Corbin reflects.
The Support System He Found
When asked if he still feels alone like he once did, Corbin’s answer is an emphatic no. “Between Be Strong, my family, and my friends, I know I have a strong support system,” he says. “Be Strong gave me a place where I belong and connected me with people who understand what it feels like to be overlooked, but also know how to rise above it.”
That feeling of belonging has fueled his confidence and inspired him to help others find their place, too.
A Message for Students Who Are Struggling
Corbin’s advice to other students is simple, but powerful: “Don’t keep it all inside. Speak up, reach out, and let people help you. You might be surprised how many people care and are willing to listen.”
It’s advice born out of experience, and he hopes it reaches anyone who feels unseen or unheard.
Life Outside of Be Strong
Outside of his leadership role, Corbin is a dedicated athlete and an all-around motivator. He loves playing football, working out, and listening to music that pushes him to do better. His dreams include playing college football, earning a degree in business, and mentoring younger kids in his community.
When it comes to inspiration, he doesn’t have to look far, his mom is his role model. “She’s strong, hardworking, and never gives up on doing what’s right, no matter how tough things get,” he says. Her resilience has shaped Corbin’s values and fuels his drive to keep going, no matter the challenge.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for graduation and the next chapter of his life, Corbin carries with him the lessons Be Strong has taught him about kindness, leadership, and the importance of connection.
His story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about titles or positions, it’s about seeing others, valuing them, and having the courage to step in when it matters most. Corbin’s journey shows that even in moments of uncertainty or loneliness, the choice to reach out and lift others up can create ripples of change that extend far beyond what we can see.
To learn more about Be Strong’s free programs, email getstarted@bestrong.org.
If you’re interested in joining the cause and supporting students like Corbin, click here to donate.
