Story by Simon Forbes, Orono, and Anders Nelsen, Mounds View; Edited by Saja Saad, Lakeville; Illustration by Lindley Johnson, Shakopee
As almost all Youth in Government participants know, Youth in Government is difficult to explain. Few have the time to understand the difference between Sanford and Myers House or NIF and State Issue. Much of the conference’s greatness shines through because it is so complex. Each of the 2,500-plus students has a different view of Youth in Government and what makes it so special. This is why we set out to ask students throughout Launch and December Training Day to “Explain YIG in One Word.”
As expected, each response was unique. Even if the words were the same, the meaning was different. This shows how YIG affects each and every one of us in different ways. Some were awfully complimentary, calling YIG “empowering,” “transformative,” “magical,” or even “life-changing.” It was evident that YIG has made a major impact on many people and their lives.
Others stressed that the other participants of YIG were a key component. Citing the “community” and “family” aspects of the conference, with words such as “diverse,” “creative,” and “unique” to describe the students within the conference. All of this leads some to even call YIG “home,” showing that YIG shines through its participants.
Others see YIG as a pathway to the future, citing its “challenging” but “inspiring” nature. Seeing YIG as an “opportunity” meaning more than just the three-day three-night conference–A way to showcase one’s “leadership,” Highlighting YIG’s influence on youth leaders and their way to shape the world around them.
More than anything else, though, participants see YIG as “adventurous,” “fun,” and “exhilarating.” For YIG stands as a way to connect more than anything else. Proving that through all the debating and legislating, YIG kids know how to have fun.
Through YIG, students from all across the state come together to discuss, debate, and advocate for issues affecting the state and even the nation as a whole. This experience not only brings a diverse set of students together but creates a community in which students feel comfortable but challenged. They leave changed, inspired, empowered, and, most importantly, with a new place to call home.