I very rarely post on Facebook but this weekend I went through an amazing experience which Id like to show my appreciation for. No, I didnt get married, I participated in the YMCA Youth and Government State Conference. Its an organization which exists in 39 states and involved 55,000 students and deals with participating in a mock government. Our club at Shen only has 2 kids and this is its first year. I wasnt sure what to expect for the state conference but being handing the capital of New York State for a couple of days was a surreal experience. Being able to speak in the New York State Assembly and sit in the same seats as our state legislators was an amazing opportunity. However, I know that at some point the feeling that I had from that will fade away into a distant memory. What I will remember forever is one thing: the pizza. Just kidding, I mean the people. Theres always these news stories and reports about how our generation is incapable of so many things but this weekend I was impressed far beyond what I expected was possible of people my age. I saw people run legislative chambers, deliver complex and nuanced speeches to hundreds of people, and debate in a way which impressed me immensely. But even this, I may forget. (Im actually pretty forgetful this isnt just for effect ;) )But what really got to me was the compassion the veteran delegates had for people like me who were in the program for the first time. Specifically, Jarrod Mullally, committee chair, encouraged me in committee to stand up and speak up and debate (as well as teaching me the finer points of parliamentary procedure) which, when I did, I found to be really enjoyable. Christy Zegel, speaker of Assembly Liberty, also encouraged me to debate and chose me for Bill Clerk which was a lot of fun to do. Now Ive been in speech and debate for 4 years, 3 of those in debate. Last year I won first place in all 5 of the tournaments which our team attended and competed at states. But none of the debaters I encountered were anywhere near as good as Ali Jenkins , shes honestly, by far the best debater in any situation that Ive ever heard and it was always interesting to hear what she had to say. Writing and arguing bills taught me a great deal of the value of practical education in government and I will definitely advocate this program and similar ones, moving forward. I will be a mentor for underclassmen now in this club in my school because of this amazing conference. Overall, this weekend was an amazing way to learn and grow and I hope to take these lessons forward into college and beyond.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 01:00:50 +0000
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