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Share Your Story - Interview with Brooke Young

Brook Young is a senior at Ashland University working on a business administration major with a journalism and digital media minor. However, this is not the only goal Brooke will accomplish in the coming year.


When Brooke was 8 years old, she, along with her grandfather, trained her golden retriever, Molly to be a service dog. For five years, this led to trips to nursing homes where Brooke and her grandfather would visit the residents and take Molly along to boost their spirits. These visits were full of stories about life, love, war, and anything this generation would care to share with Brooke and her grandfather. Brooke’s grandfather passed away two years ago and Molly has also since passed away, but that has not kept Brooke from working toward the goal of training her dog, Murray, as a service dog to continue their legacy.


Brooke’s life has been inspired by so many in this older generation through these visits and stories. Her connection to this older generation has helped shape her worldview and was an enriching experience to bridge these generations. Brooke did not want to miss out on an opportunity to share how these visits shaped her life.


Compelled to share these experiences, especially with children, Brooke decided to write a children’s book about Molly and her own visits to nursing homes. The book, titled “Murray’s Marvelous Mission”, will feature her dog Murray and her 8-year-old self visiting the elder generation in nursing homes. Brooke believes that volunteerism and service are important to bring to the forefront of a child’s mind. This book is one way she is able to help children and their families see this importance.


The book, which will be available in January, was finished sooner than expected due to the change in class format at Ashland University. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the school to switch to online learning in March of 2020 which continued into the spring semester. This change was a positive one for Brooke as she learns well independently. Brooke noted that the school made this a smooth and seamless transition due to the work of faculty and staff. This allowed her to place more focus on her book than expected as well as the Miss Ohio competition where she will be competing this June.


“When you're blessed with a unique experience you should share it.” Brooke expressed. She continued by explaining that it’s hard to convince younger people that they have something unique to offer to the world. She remarked that “no one will ever experience something through your life [unless you share it]. Your story could change someone” and she hopes to encourage young people to share their experiences and stories through this book.


Young would like to extend a sincere Thank You to those who have sponsored and advocated of her mission to provide multigeneration relationships and stories to children and families in Ohio. Words fail to express her gratitude for their support:

The Golden Family

Rick and Carol Taylor

HNI Risk Services

Hess Industries

NextGen Films

Pete Dzugan

Brian Gates State Farm Insurance Agency

Hi-Tech Wire

Cole Distributing Inc.

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