Youth Spotlight: Matias King

By Cam Dole: Senior Manager of Youth Engagement

In a world full of ‘vanilla’ individuals, follow your unique flavor and be yourself. Growing up in a couple different towns around the Eagle River Valley, Matias King is now a ninth grader at Vail Christian High School (VCHS), and has found a community full of opportunities to explore new interests, express creativity, and step outside his comfort zone. Matias is a leader in Valley’s Voice high school, and is empowered by creativity, opportunities, and individuality.

From the moment you meet Matias, you’ll note that he is an incredibly creative person. One of his greatest passions is making music, using software on his computer to create original sounds and experiment with what could one day hopefully become his career. Much of their knowledge has come from teaching himself through YouTube tutorials, learning to navigate the tools and turning ideas into something tangible. Video editing and making music videos are other creative outlets, allowing Matias to bring their ideas to life in different ways.

His creativity extends beyond a screen as well. Exploring options while growing up, his grandmother taught him how to knit. Finding that specific seamstress-skill slightly complicated, he decided to try crocheting instead. A little simpler, but still a creative outlet and driving passion- Matias made a frog on his very first day and hasn’t stopped experimenting since. From blankets and cardigans to plushies and even a “demon cow,” he loves the freedom of being able to make just about anything. He received an art scholarship to VCHS, and therefore has the opportunity to explore different forms of art, including theater, digital art, and media art, with a goal of trying something new every year.

Music continues to be a major source of inspiration for Matias. Artists like Billie Eilish show how something created by one person can bring together a room full of strangers. Music helps teenagers find community, build friendships, and feel understood. Their own friends and family provide that same sense of belonging, encouraging them to be themselves and grow without judgment.One memorable moment this past year came when Billie Eilish’s mom liked and commented on a video from the fan account he runs. Connecting (even in a small way) with someone whose music means so much to people, made them feel seen and reminded of how powerful those connections can be.

Outside of his creative pursuits, giving back is another important part of Matias’ story. Upon his start at VCHS, he joined the Hispanic Leadership Club and continues to look for opportunities to expand his comfort zone. Adjusting to a new school and environment hasn't always been easy, but he recognizes that making an effort is progress in itself. In fifth grade, he worked towards the English-Spanish bilingual pathway award. Following, Matias found himself partnered up with elementary school students as part of the reading-buddy program. Admitting that working with youth isn’t his calling, Matias admits enjoying finding opportunities he’s not pursuing, just as much as opportunities he is interested in. Additionally, these experiences helped him see volunteering and giving back as more than a requirement; it's a chance to explore new skills, interact with others, and discover interests they might not otherwise have considered.

Through youth leadership and community involvement, he especially values opportunities for young people to speak up about issues that affect them. Lucky enough- Matias found Valley’s Voice youth leadership group last year, and has helped to guide high school discussions and agendas, while also serving as a mentor for the middle school group. He has brought numerous friends to the meetings, and acknowledges the importance of a youth-led framework. Matias believes adults can offer important guidance, but young people should also have the chance to identify problems and help develop solutions. After all, who better to help address youth issues than the young people experiencing them? 

Matias encourages peers (younger and older!)  to keep working hard, even when life seems easy at the moment. Other words of advice include ‘being unique’, and showing up as yourself. In a world full of expectations and judgment, there is no single standard everyone needs to follow. Looking ahead, Matias hopes Eagle County continues to support people who need resources such as food, jobs, and housing, and that young people always have a place to turn when they need help or a way to make their voices heard.