By: Julia Hartlep
Starting Youth in Government as a young eighth grader, I remember being timid and deathly afraid of talking in front of a crowd. Walking into my delegation’s first meeting of the season, the sense of anxiety and nervousness that overtook me was unforgettable. And yet, touring the different program areas, I still felt drawn to Youth in Government- to the inclusion, involvement, and even intelligence of each and every one of the delegates.
Spending that first year in Youth in Government was undeniably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Because being surrounded by people who are just as passionate as you are is an experience that will change you. And that’s what Youth in Government is.
From being that eighth grader who was afraid of speaking to now, it’s hard to realize the full extent to which Youth in Government shaped who I am. No longer am I nervous to deliver a speech in front of a crown (though that does depend on how big the crowd it), and no longer do I feel as if I am not listened to. For if there’s one aspect about YIG that makes it welcoming, it’s that one. The fact that delegates from across the state will listen to what you have to say- that they want to.
While presenting your bill, your argument for a case, or your idea for an interesting video, you will find this to be true. You may receive criticism, but that will only be because people truly listened to what you had to say, and want you to even further improve. So I urge you to remember this throughout your weekend, and take this in stride, even implementing the feedback in these few days. Remember that you are surrounded with peers who want to help you.
No matter if you’re a first-year or an experienced delegate, there is always more to be gotten out of Youth in Government, especially this Model Government weekend. So speak up, listen, and learn.