The YMCA TX Youth and Government program aims to allow students to gain experience in government-related fields through mock trials. Participants will embody all roles of the court, including dressing the part. At YG district and state conferences, students are expected to dress as business professionals. This includes blazers, dress pants, ties, heels, and other clothing items that fit business attire. Although the dress code might be challenging for some students, attorney Violet Mann feels otherwise. “I love having to dress business professional, it brings me so much joy to walk into these competitions every year and see everyone dressed so professionally,” Mann said. She also added that dressing nicely can directly affect student performance at conferences. “I perform a lot better when I’m dressed the part, so I think that mandating this dress code impacts how seriously students take their cases,” said Mann. Attorney Janethza Ortega feels similarly. “I think [the dress code] affects the students in a good way because it helps you get into the role that you’re playing, and contributes to the overall professional environment,” Ortega stated.
By: Gracie Nelson, Liberal Arts Science Academy
