The Washington I Saw

We always hear about how broken Washington is. We hear about corruption in government, partisanship on Capitol Hill, and mudslinging during election season. Pundits on both sides of the aisle seem to only come together to bemoan the divided state of our democracy.

However, that is not the Washington I saw. This spring, I was selected as one of two Missouri delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program. I had the opportunity to join 103 other high school juniors and seniors on a life changing journey to our nation’s capital. Over the course of Washington Week, sponsored by the United States Senate and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, I had the privilege to both listen to and speak with many Senators, members of House of Representatives, and other high ranking federal officials. A typical day might have involved having breakfast with Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, lunch with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, and dinner with Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae. Throughout my time in D.C., I was able to meet the people that make up our government, and the advice they offered is a testament to their commitment to our country's future.

One of my most memorable experiences was visiting the Supreme Court, where Justice Elena Kagan answered our questions with refreshing candor and good humor. She told us about her childhood, her path to becoming a Supreme Court Justice, and even her hunting adventures with Justice Scalia. I was surprised to learn that she went to law school. Justice Kagan encouraged us to pursue something that challenged and interested us, where we could make a difference in the world.

In the State Department, we toured diplomatic reception rooms and heard from Secretary of State John Kerry in the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room. Secretary Kerry told us, "The future is not around the corner. It is here and it is now; you are the future.” He reminded us that we didn't have to wait months or years to be engaged in the world around us; we could do that today. Throughout history, a nation’s youth pushed revolutions forward, and it was now our responsibility to do the same.

In addition to being passionate and hardworking, Washington Week's speakers were dedicated to public service and many stressed the importance of giving back. At the National Archives, Senator Richard Burr reminded us to never forget our responsibility as individuals. In our country's history, someone had always stepped up in times of need, and Senator Burr conveyed his hope that we would someday step forward in the spirit of that tradition. As we sat in the same room as the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, both on display on the other side of the Rotunda, Senator Burr's message felt even more powerful.

Of course, the highlight of the week was speaking to President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House. This was my second time meeting him - the first as a part of the American Legion Auxiliary's Girls' Nation program - but it was still unbelievably exciting. The President offered up his own advice: "Work hard and stay in school." (It's the same advice he gives to his daughters Sasha and Malia.) He spoke about the value of persistence in the face of adversity, a trait that has helped him both in and out of the political arena. The President joked that the kids of our generation are "much smarter than [he] was" but cautioned us to beware of a culture of instant gratification. "Important things take time," he said.

Even between events, the learning continued. Our military mentors helped us reflect on each day's activities, guiding meaningful discussions in individual groups. We talked about everything from foreign policy in the Middle East, to feminism, to our freedoms and responsibilities as American citizens. My peers exposed me to unique perspectives through every conversation and debate, making Washington Week all the more valuable.

When I went to Washington, D.C., I learned about more than just politics. I learned about passion, determination, and compromise firsthand from the leaders of our country. What impressed me most was that they took the time to meet with students like myself - that we mattered to them. We could ask questions and expect a real answer from them. Even though I was too young to vote, I felt empowered to know that my voice mattered.

The Washington I saw was one of hope. The United States Senate Youth Program was a complete immersion in the workings of the federal government, but it was more than that. It gave us a glimpse into the future of our country. Indeed, the most fulfilling part of Washington Week was being able to share it with 103 amazing individuals who constantly amazed, challenged, and encouraged me. Knowing that we have such dedicated leaders in our government and such passionate youth across the country, I truly believe the future of our nation is bright. I will be forever grateful to Pattonville High School, the Hearst Foundation, and the United States Senate for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.