Story by Peter Gagne, Orono; Edited by Lale Akkin, Mounds View
As the 2025 Youth in Government conference came into motion, Taras Sarazyhynskyy from the Wayzata delegation became the 2025 youth governor. Although it is already his fourth year at the conference, it is his first time being the youth governor. Entering the conference his senior year, Sarazyhynskyy began to take a different perspective on life, finding that he is “trying to live more at the moment this year.”
Although the conference only lasts a few days, it is packed with intense floor sessions, debates, and other activities. Sarazyhynskyy doesn’t look to provide first-year delegates with guidance on bill writing, debating tips, or advice on how to win elections. He instead presents them with a simple task — he wants people to connect with fellow delegates, and put themselves out there. This shows the place YIG holds in all delegates’ hearts. For four days a year, delegates can practice debating, bill writing, and legislative protocol. However, to many, YIG is far more than a government simulation. It is a space where they can connect with new people, step out of their comfort zone, and break boundaries. YIG is a prime example of how hundreds can come together and develop tight bonds to stand behind a common cause in just a few days.
There is nobody better to represent standing behind a common cause than Youth Governor Sarazyhynskyy. “Advocacy has played a central role in forming his values and decisions,” said Sarazyhynskyy. Being a proud Ukrainian-American, Sarazyhynskyy looked to continue his journey in YIG because of how his roots inspired him, helping him push for advocacy through his leadership role.
Sarazyhynskyy continues to find new and beautiful moments through his time in the youth government. Although he prepared thoroughly for his time as youth governor this weekend, unexpected things still happened. Oftentimes, the unexpected and the unplanned can yield the memories people hold for the rest of their lives. In a place where the focus is mainly political, the delegates of the Minnesota Youth in Government continually push toward connection with each other, backed completely by their youth governor.