Boys State Reflection

All during my middle to late teenage years I was involved in the politics of our city. My hometown was small, so there were many opportunities for youth to participate in events. From attending city council meetings that were held twice a month, I learned how I could actually become involved in the legislation process. By getting involved, I, along with some other members of the town, were able to pass a local ordinance, and I was also involved in the process of passing Utah Senate Bill 60, which became a law in March of 2015. Getting involved in the law making process taught me not just about the actual process of passing a law, but also about how normal citizens can and should take part of the legislative process. It also contributed to my desire to continue working with government and the

My junior year of high school I had decided that I would get more involved in school activities. I had been a member of both HOSA, a medical club that focuses on competitions and INTERACT, a club that embraces different cultures and people as well as focusing on helping out the community. I became deeply invested and passionate in both of these clubs. I decided I no longer wanted to be just a member. I wanted to have a say in the decision process and events for the following year so I ran for officer elections in both.

I honestly am happy I did not win state office because I would not have had the privilege to meet some of the most talented individuals. There is an old saying that says, college is where we meet your life-long friends. In just the past year, I can attest to that. Failing is not always a bad thing, we can always learn from it, and sometimes we realize that we were supposed to be on a different path entirely. It is important to believe in the process and know that everything happens for a reason. When one door closes a window of opportunity can

During 8th grade at Howard D. McMillan Middle, I believed one person could make a difference if they just set their mind to do so. Our school had many restrictions and few student activities. Early that year I became interested in Student Government (S.G.) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), so I decided to run for President of both clubs hoping to make a change.

All across America, young men join together in a special organization called the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts from 1st grade to seniors in high school work toward a common goal: growing up into a functional, mature citizen and leader of the United States. I joined this great organization in 2006 as a Wolf Cub Scout and rose through the ranks to get into Boy Scouts in 2010. I didn’t know what to expect from such a widely popular, military-like group. Will I get pushed to my limit? How much can Scouts impact me? Is Cub Scouts like what others say?

Boys State was a program that, quite frankly, I was discouraged from attending. I heard from multiple people from across the State that, “all you do is march,” and that Boys State is “military school.” I can say with utmost confidence that I will spread the opposite view. Boys State entirely exceeded my expectations in every way, and I cannot thank you enough for granting me such an exceptional opportunity.

I’m a smart, hardworking, determined, courageous, and generous individual. Unfortunately, during my 9th-grade year at Hyde Leadership Charter School, I didn’t display these characteristics. I faced challenges such as missing class time because I was in the Dean’s Area and serving detention. But I am a student who wants to grow and become a great leader. Over the summer I figured out that there was no way I could be both a leader and a troublemaker, so I decided to make a change. I decided to hang out with other people, leaving my old group of friends behind. I’ve found a group of friends that could support me, help me grow, and helped me

I have learned many lessons in my time that will help guide me through my life. However, I think one experience that will definitely stick with me forever is attending Missouri Boys State. At Boys State, our motto was, “A Week To Change A Lifetime,” and it truly was. We learned about integrity, honesty, pride, and what it means to be in the American Legion. We also learned about the political system and how our government works by making our own government.

He told me that every year you make new friends with the players that come in as well as the players that graduate. After all that said, when I graduate I will have made a substantial amount of friends that I can count on for the rest of my life.

That really meant a lot to me, so after I was elected I wanted to make sure I did everything right. One of my first challenges was actually deciding whether or not to go to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Our FFA goes on that trip every other year. I went to the last National Convention my freshman year just for fun, but this year I felt that I had a duty to go along and be a leader for our chapter by being involved. The problem is, last year I was on the varsity volleyball team. National Convention was at the same time that regional volleyball games were starting. I didn’t know what to choose – the volleyball team that I loved and had been committed to for three months already, or the organization that chose me to be their leader? I really didn’t know what to do. I finally chose to go with the FFA to Indianapolis. It would give me a chance to practice my leadership skills and get to know our FFA chapter better. I still felt like I was letting my team and coach down, but I felt more committed to FFA.

Waking up 6:30 in the morning isn't common for me but July 28th was the day I was driving up to Athens for Dawg Camp. I was waiting for this day since I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to go to Dawg Camp Discovery thanks to the UGA Parents Leadership Council. Every UGA event I attended, convinced me that Dawg Camp was an once in a lifetime opportunity. I was beyond ecstatic when I found out I was one of the recipient of the reward. Once arriving at UGA, I walked into Ramsey startled by the excitement coming from the basketball court. All of the camp counselors were beyond theatric when all of the campers came in one by one. As the day went on, I began to connect with my group, Silver 4, more and more. We were able to talk about our

On the second morning, I followed my basic interest in the legislative process and ran for the assembly. Within it, I found a match for my passion for the area of health, joined Health and Human Services Committee, and was elected chairwoman of the committee. Despite my inexperience, I found that I had much to say. I debated fervently with my peers to pass bills I believed would improve current circumstances, learned to listen and incorporate opinions of others to produce a balanced outcome, and fully exercised my power to vote. At party platform meetings I went up in front of approximately 250 people and expressed my opinions on issues debated, my previous fears of inadequacy blown away and replaced by a passionate heart ready to work. Sure, I still lacked the speaking skills and expansive political knowledge that many of the girls there possessed. But I realized what it truly meant to dedicate myself for those I care about. Girls State showed me that I had a voice, regardless of its volume. And the fact that there are others in the world who are willing to work with me to achieve the same goals I am encouraged me to pursue my goals with even more

I have been a member of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club for nine years; starting at nine. Throughout those years, they have taught me the many things that I put into play today. Spending most, if not all of my time at the Olivet’s, I tend to call it my second home. My mother used to always yell at me for not being home all the time. I just loved being there all the time. Through all the support of the Olivet family, I have been able to overcome many obstacles. For example, many may think that because of my height I would have picked basketball as my go to sport; however, that was not the case at all. Luckily, I had a unit director who would not take no for an answer and kept pushing me.

Unfortunately, a lot of individuals do not like the choice that I made to attend The Greater Miami Youth Corps. But, because of my truancy, skipping class and breaking almost every rule that existed in that school, it was for my good that withdrew and let that high school. Also, some said “You are leaving all of your friends and you are not going to know anyone at The Greater Miami Youth Corps.” I simply replied “So what!” “I will make new friends and have more positive peers in my life.” Then a lot of my friends said “Suppose you don’t like

The Boy Scouts of America and the Girls Scouts of the USA are both nonprofit organizations that can be the most wonderful experiences in one’s life. Being a Boy Scout or Girl Scout can help the youth develop maturity and character, as they grow with age and enter adulthood. Through the process of volunteering and showing leadership skills, Boy Scouts of America and Girls Scouts of the USA are both life-changing organizations. One involved in any of the two organizations will create unity throughout their community and uphold a legacy. While the youth involved in one of the two organizations earn achievements and countless awards, scouting can be utilized to create an exceptional college admission resume. Although the Girls Scouts of the