I had the amazing opportunity to attend a YMCA Youth & Government conference in Albany. Y&G is a civic engagement and service- learning program in the United States that offers both high school and middle school students the opportunity to serve in a model government process at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Albany is the capital of New York where our New York State government meets to discuss the issues of the state and make crucial decisions. I walked into the Desmond Hotel (many government officials stay here) with my suitcase in one hand and my purse in another. I felt like a true assembly women. The same night we arrived we all attended the Governor's Ball with our cocktail dresses, tuxedos, high heels shoes, looking our best. I felt so honored to attend this ball because not only did it have a Gala feeling with a jazz band but it was the 75th anniversary of Youth & Government in New York. The night was great but the best was our room. I shared a room with my best friend and we had the chance to sleep in this huge king size bed, we had the whole room to ourself. It was a lot of fun, I believe that was the night where had gotten closer and had the ability to see each other's vulnerable sides. Friday was just the beginning of our long but exciting journey.
Saturday morning, we woke up at 5:50, dressed in our personalized sweater vest, bills in our hand and just ready to be heard. The feeling that I got was happiness and excitement, I was ready to be heard. Finally my voice and personality was going to be shown one way or the other. With the support of my team on my side, we sat in the real assembly chambers in the capitol ; at that moment I knew exactly what I needed and wanted to be. I always knew as a child that I wanted to be an obstetrician/ gynecologist but at that moment I wanted to be something else, something more. I wanted people to benefit because of the bills that I have created; I want to give back to New York State. The teen delegates from other districts sat among me. These other teens inspired me with their thoughtfulness, honesty and knowledge of the state and the world that we live in. We argued and questioned each bill; some passed and some failed. The only thing that really disappointed me was that I knew our bill was good but why was it so low on the docket. The only question in my mind was "why?". I wanted to present and show people that this bill was a great idea and that we are helping the students of New York... The night came and it was the elections that highlighted my day. I had teen role models for the first time, I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I wanted to think on my feet or have a wide range vocabulary just like them. The debate was the best I have seen better than some adult debaters who are running for presidency. I was proud to be a teen watching them. At that moment I knew our generation was the one to make a big change in this world.
So much happened this weekend, disappointment because since our bill was low on the docket we didn't get to present it at all, to neither senate or assembly chambers. I was confused, surprised and very hurt that I didn't get to show the others how important our bill really was. The people from this conference and our district are really great genuine people. This one teen sensed our emotions and volunteered to sit and hear our bill. From that moment on I knew I was in the right place.
I have learned so much from this conference... I learned about patience and honor. I learned new things of New York State that I was unaware of before the presentations of the bills. I now know for sure what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be...
Dadadadaadaada..........
a politician, maybe the next governor of New York State.
like Shirley Chisholm!Take this quote and live by it: "Democracy must be learned by each generation" - Y&G
