YG Creates Opportunity To Become Part of Something Bigger Than Ourselves

By Kimberly Damian
Bob Hope High School

This week in Austin has been more than just a trip. It has been a reminder that Youth and Government is becoming something much bigger than any of us could have imagined.

As soon as we got to the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, you could feel it. We were brought together as delegations from different districts, and although Districts 3 and 10 jokingly decided to combine to become “District 13,” it was a reminder that we are no longer just individual schools. We are a large community that is brought together. winning or losing as we were learning about our assignments, deadlines, and expectations in our section meetings, it became clear that this program has become much more structured and organized.

YAG is no longer just a club to which students come to participate. It is a program that challenges us academically, makes us think critically, and helps us learn to take responsibility for ourselves. The expectations have been raised, as have the quality of our work. The opening ceremony made the growth even more visible.

Seeing students’ campaign for the role of governor and deliver powerful speeches is a reminder of how confident and prepared everyone has become. These were not ordinary speeches; they were thoughtful, persuasive, and passionate speeches. You could see leadership being formed right in front of you.

Even in the committee rounds the next day, everyone was talking about issues that mattered to them with confidence. It was not just about completing the assignment; it was about making our voices heard. This kind of passion is a reminder that YAG is not just growing in number, but also in impact. Outside of sessions, the growth was evident as well. Having free time at the water park, talking before curfew at night, and ensuring that our seniors had an amazing last year are all indicators of how well our community has developed. We are learning how to be professional and be friends. We work hard in committees and then party afterwards. This balance is what continues to make our program better each year.

Going to real-world locations like the Texas Capitol and U.S. Courthouse makes everything feel more official and important. Being in an actual college environment reminds us that we are preparing ourselves for bigger stages in life. YAG is flourishing because it is molding us to be leaders in the future. It gives us confidence, responsibility, friends, and memories that we will always cherish.

When I reflect on everything we have experienced, I realize that it is not just a successful trip, but also a program that is flourishing, getting better, and inspiring more students every year. Youth and Government are flourishing in terms of leadership, unity, and purpose. And if this year is any indication of what is to come soon, the future of YAG is looking bright indeed.