Q: Describe a time post-graduation where skills and abilities you learned from Youth & Government were needed and used?

A: I was hired as a student lobbyist for my college and worked in the legislature. Youth & Government built my knowledge on basic legislative processes which I attribute to my successful placement in that position. Although Youth & Government has some slightly different practices that the actual Washington State Legislature (for efficiency purposes), I was able to pick everything up very quick.

Q: How has your Youth & Government experience shaped you for life following high school?

A: Networking and also more… I learned how to adapt and talk to many people with a wide diversity of beliefs and morals. Coming from a very small and rural town in Washington, my Youth & Government experience was pivotal in successfully setting me up for understanding people who look different and are from different places. Learning to understand those who are different than yourself without feeling obligated to compromise your own beliefs is such a valuable lesson that more aspiring leaders should have the opportunity to learn.