REVEALING THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR Y&G ADVISORS
A whopping 25,000 students participate annually in the growing youth organization Youth & Government, with over 1000 students in Texas alone. The club’s functions prove to be engaging for attending students and adults, recreational regardless of their academic benefits, and flow smoothly despite following a loaded schedule. Although students’ model behavior and proficient efforts at improving their skills play some part in allowing Y&G functions to run placidly, they aren’t the only force at hand. Despite their major role within the organization and the countless lives they’ve permanently impacted, advisors are often overlooked and underappreciated. Agreed upon by many, Youth and Government would not be the same without these key players.
In an interview with Veterans Memorial HS advisor Aaron Williams, he reveals, “Youth and Government teaches you to understand that everyone is different, people have different mindsets. And [it] teaches comradery and research…they can apply this in everyday life.” “As far as students, everything is a success story. When you come here and experience something like this, www.ymcatexasy.org 1 meet others with different backgrounds, that’s a success”. Mr. Williams has been an advisor for 5 years and plans to continue reaching out to students and creating a generation familiar with government. The interview reveals the significance of advisors to our future senators, legislatures, governors, and various other members.
Robbert Root, advisor and coordinator of Holmes High School, shares his student Nathan Swick’s success story: “He was one of the outstanding legislatures. To me, the great picture was watching this young African American male speak at the same place as all the speakers of the senate have spoken and the pride that arose from him”. Mr.Root proves to be a working example of the importance these teachers hold to our youth and the boundless effect they have on their pupils.
Mr. Root recruits students to Y&G by “…[giving] the kids a voice so they can be empowered, and help them recognize their voice is important and what they say is important”. He emphasizes the magnitude of involved and active youth and their representation. Mr.Root, Mr.Williams, and advisors across the globe prove to be the characterization of the club.
San Antonio district director Angelica Torres describes the importance of advisors by stating, “The support for our students, they are those mentors, those leaders, that can vouch for them. They’re advocates there for them every single day. So for me, they’re the face of Youth & Government.” Ms. Torres gushes on about the gravity and weight of an advisory role and acknowledges the transformative and knowledgeable work of these adults. Youth & government owe our advisors long-due appreciation. Without their aid, the art of government would present itself as a persistent obstacle to future generations.
Written by: Amina Ahmed, Foy H Moody High School