Our first activity today was a group picture at the State Capitol. I mean, if you didn't get a picture of something, did it even really happen? From there, we walked around for a little bit, and made our way to the chambers for the House of Representatives. Joe Dorman, the rep. from District 65, is also running for Governor of Oklahoma. He walked us through the legislative process, to which we then went through a mock legislative session. Our very own Gage Hodgen represented the bill that was on the floor for debate. It was an awesome experience to witness as the students became more and more comfortable with debate, discussion, and even questioning each other with serious questions. After some intense back and forth, the bill fell hastily, 10-43.
We then ended our trip with a luncheon at the Governor's Mansion, with our keynote speaker, the former Governor George Nigh. If you've never been to the Governor's Mansion, just know that it has a pool in the shape of the state of Oklahoma. HOW COOL IS THAT. We started with lunch, but then things got interesting. And by that I mean Gov. Nigh began to speak. If you have never heard him give a speech, its awesome. He's light-hearted, but serious. Interactive, but still commands the stage. Above all though, he's inspirational and engaging. Even at the age of 85. The point of his talk was that Oklahoma and age are not limiting factors. He spoke about numerous famous people who have made a difference in our world being form Oklahoma. Especially the ones who did it when they are young. This was very relevant, considering that we are YOUTH Leadership Oklahoma. My favorite quote from his speech was about the play "Oklahoma!" It went something like, "Rogers and Hammerstein put an exclamation point in the title to give add excitement to the name of Oklahoma. Put an exclamation point at the end of your name and live life excitedly, excited to be who you are." It was remarkable. From there we had our gradation ceremony and closing skits, which were hilarious.
Then it all ended.
I'm typing this back at my house. I haven't even unpacked yet. There are so many thoughts running through my head as I reminisce. As I'm trying to decompress there are a couple points I want to discuss.
The first is that of the original idea I discussed in my first post: potential. The potential I found in Oklahoma during this trip was so much more than I saw when I was able to go through YLOK. From Lawton to Tulsa, Enid to Norman, this state is full of people who want to make a difference. There are foundations, organizations, and groups with billions (yes, with a B) wanting to invest in this state, these kids, and most importantly our future. The potential for growth and improvement in our state is unmatched. And these students who came on the trip are going to change the world. Don't you doubt that.
The second idea is that of students. Often times students are looked down upon for our age, not respected or taken seriously for our lack of experience, or overlooked because we don't have a recognizable name. A 16-year-old in Britain wrote a thought-provoking piece to a newspaper there that I want you to read (Don't worry, it is super short). Now I'm not saying that he is right, or demanding unwarranted respect, but man. He says something that should at least start a discussion. These kids are something special. I said they had something unique about them at the beginning of the week and its taken some digging, but I figured out what it was. It was the fact that, for the most part, this trip wasn't about them. It wasn't about what they could gain. To them, this trip was about Oklahoma. The state, the people, and the future. As a whole, they were given a glimpse at the real world ahead of them, and the energy with which they glowed, eager to help instigate change, was contagious. They understand they to make a difference and be a real leader, you have to care about others. If you are worried about our future, give these kids a chance. I think you'll be surprised at how they respond. If you are worried about the present, ask them to help and I can guarantee you will be blown away by their ideas, the way they care, and the energy they provide. I am proud to be a part of this generation knowing that they are with me.
This has been the best work experience I have ever had. Ive worked a few jobs during my life, but this was so much more than a job. It was a joy. Even though we traveled over 600 miles and had nearly 20 meetings in the span of 5 days (which means I'm exhausted) I would do it all over again right now if you asked me to. The kids were incredible. The people we met were inspiring. My fellow chaperones were hilarious and encouraging. All in all, this was a trip for the record books. So thank you to all who helped make this happen.
We're peacing out for now. Oh! And DTLA
Andy Stewart,
Student, Optimist, aspiring Catalyst
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