This July, fifteen students hailing from all across the nation and myself had the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to our nation’s capital for a week to witness our government’s inner workings up close and personal at the National Youth Civics Summit. An opportunity such as this, which is so rarely afforded to our youth, was especially invigorating because it connected what all American children learn in their civics classes in schools to something material and tactile. I know that this sentiment is not shared by myself alone when I say this summit greatly increased my own personal political efficacy but also furthered a heart of patriotism and grew an understanding of the manner in which our government operates in international affairs.
One of my favorite moments from the Summit was our Capitol tour. We had the privilege of meeting with Congressman Keith Self and were able to see the Senate and House of Representatives in session. It is truly an amazing thing to see with one’s own two eyes a name from a ballot earlier in the year that voters chose speed along to the Capitol where they represent the will and wants of their districts on the national stage. It inspired many students to consider a future on the Hill as a civil servant for our own communities. I especially enjoyed meeting with the Supreme Court Historical Society, who educated us about major Supreme Court case decisions, the beginnings of the Supreme Court, and its rise to strength in modern day politics.
I particularly liked the opportunity to meet with the Marshal of the U.S Supreme Court, Col. Gail Curley (Ret.), and hear an insider perspective of the Supreme Court and what steps are taken to ensure the safety of the Justices and how they prepare for the oral arguments that take place within the courtroom. Her passion and dedication to her work was showcased in all that she did, and was exciting to me and others as we considered the many career paths available to us on the Hill. One of, if not the most, moving parts of the Summit was watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. It was hard not to be emotional as we watched the precision and care that is taken to watch over those who gave themselves to the last measure, their names for now only known by their Creator alone. It personally, motivated me to “do more” (as encouraged by one of our amazing speakers, President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Michael R. Rodriguez) to remember those who serve our country and their families and to continue to uplift them, their stories, and the impact that their sacrifice has made on our great nation.
Lastly, we were afforded the opportunity to hear from diplomats from all over the world. I especially enjoyed hearing from Ambassador Dennis W. Hearne and Colonel Alcuin Johnson and learn what it takes to earn these positions in our government, what that job looks like in an everyday context, and how they use diplomacy to confront matters that arise when a nation collaborates with other governments in a variety of ways. These amazing speakers opened my eyes to a world that I had previously heard very little about and piqued my interest into the world of diplomacy and the ways in which to prepare to pursue a career in it.
In conclusion, the inaugural National Youth Civics Summit was a remarkable and life-changing experience that inspired the hearts of many young people and encouraged them in their role as young leaders in this country’s future and inspired them to consider roles in our government. I hope that this Summit will be one of many, and I cannot wait to see a new class of young leaders take on this opportunity and glean knowledge that will last a lifetime.
