Story by Saja Saad, Lakeville Delegation; Edited by Lale Akkin, Mounds View; Illustration by Lindley Johnson, Shakopee
The 2025 Youth in Government conference finally comes to a start. Many people are excited to return to this well loved event, or in many cases, try it out for the very first time.
“I am most excited to campaign for speaker of Stanford house and to continue campaigning for the election,” said Naomi Salzwedel from the Jordan delegation. Running for an elected position is a wonderful chance for people to put themselves out there and make connections with others.
Many delegates look ahead to their program area time. “Being around like-minded people is not something you come across everyday, but also being able to argue a case in the Supreme Court of Minnesota, for courts at least, is just phenomenal and it allows me to explore my interest in doing legal stuff. There’s a lot more, I could go on and on about it,” said Andrew Staff from the Lakeville delegation.
For those who are joining YIG for the first time this year, it is a brand new experience. They may feel a bit intimidated at first, but once they get to the conference it becomes an interesting and exciting activity. Delegates quickly find their way around, meet new people, learn, and have fun. Many people who join this magnificent program stay in it for years to come. It allows for growth, along with lifelong lessons and memories.
Everyone is getting excited to be at the conference for many different reasons. Some will be running for elected positions, some are trying new program areas, some get to reunite with old friends, and some will be trying out YIG for the first time. Everyone is so excited to see what this year’s conference has in store, for both returning and new ones.