By Danielle Zheng
Youth in Government has galvanized me to stand up for what I believe and be a voice to other youth in these turbulent times of our current political climate. One significant memory I remember from my first year in YIG was when past governor Reez Bailey delivered his speech on the importance of presence and the difficult, yet self-fulfilling roller coaster we call life.
At that moment, I was awestruck. Youth from all different parts of the state, with different trials and tribulations, were united by one thing: their ardor for government and politics. The fervor to make, change and improve our current government system. Not only did I see so many passionate and devoted youth proponents of change, I saw a commitment to learning about government and the foundations that make this country stand as a unified democracy. Sacrificing my warmth and sanity for high heels and pencil skirts, witnessing YIG prom proposals, diving into a pool fully clothed, dancing to terrible music, and watching all my friends get elected to executive positions can barely scratch the surface of the most incredible three days of my life.
People say that Youth in Government can help you make a change, but along the way you are engulfed with open arms into a family that changes you for the better.