Austin, TX – As the Youth and Government participants boarded the bus to Kalahari, the air buzzed with anticipation. For many, this trip was the start of a new experience- an opportunity to debate, legislate, and bond with other students who share similar interests.
The journey was a long 3 hour ride, filled with anticipation and nervous laughter. During the trip, Noah Dinh, a junior from Glenda Dawson Highschool, utilized his time to practice “game plan” for their mock trials. “I want this to be more than pretend, I want to become the character,” he said. “It’s my second time competing at State, and I want us to lock in. Better than last year.”
Others adopted a more casual attitude, viewing the trip as an opportunity to relax before the intensity of the conference. “To be honest, the bus ride is my favorite part,” said Dawson junior William Britton. “We get to chill, sleep, and just talk to each other the entire time! Plus the Bucc-ee trips.”
Several buses were filled with study sessions, with students quizzing one another on each of their roles, arguments in court, and bill presentation. “It’s nice to see how dedicated they are,” noted advisor Mr. Tylan. “Even on the bus, they’re preparing to give it their all to the conference.”
And naturally, no several-hour-long bus ride would be complete without snacks and tunes. A trip to Bucc-ees gave the students a fun trip grab lunch the as a playlist that streamed Kendrick Lamar set everyone in the right mood. “It’s all about the vibe,” joked David Ci, a returning delegate. “A good playlist makes or breaks the ride.” In between rounds of quizzing, gaming, and loud sing-alongs, the experience was one in itself. “It’s moments like these that make these trips worthwhile,” said Madison Trang. “It’s not all about testing; it’s about the friends and experiences that took place.”
Before the buses arrived at Kalahari, the students were tired but prepared for what was coming. With the last notes in practice and bus hang-outs, the trip had created just the proper groundwork for the future of an exciting YG experience.
(Traveling to Kalahari, students of Youth and Government practice their mock trials and quiz each other in a fun and simplistic way.)
By: Emma Hoang Glenda Dawson Highschool