Story by Lale Akkin, Mounds View; Image by Nicholas Anderson, Irondale
Last year, there were many delegates in the Leadership Corps, but unfortunately, the majority did not return to this year’s conference. For the ones who stayed, why did they?
“I had a lot of fun, I made some good friends,” says Liam Wilson from the Orono Delegation. These returning delegates find themselves having a great time participating in their program area and meeting new people. “I like this. Writing bills is fun.”
Many delegates take part in leadership positions as early as ninth grade. Will McLaughlin from the Northfield Delegation says, “I really like legislature. I’ve enjoyed my position as an Assistant Floor Leader.” Even those who do not have an appointed position have fun participating in their activities and contributing to discussions. McLaughlin continued to say that, “I had a great time last year and I wanted to have it again, and I wanted to see if I could change my bill or make it any better this year.”
People also stay because they like to form bonds with others and work together. “I stayed because of the amazing relationships that I’ve gotten out of YIG and the amazing experience that came from it. And I just genuinely enjoyed debating bills so much and poking holes in a lot of people’s bills and making them so much better, so we could actually push them forward and create a better bill,” says Ava Wagner from the Mounds View Delegation. They also have plans on joining other program areas in the future. “Currently, I want to become a lobbyist,” says Wagner.
Some delegates stay because of the excitement of being at the capitol. “I stayed in YIG for the people and the relationships I built, and also this amazing experience. And the memory that stuck with me most was seeing the Capitol last year in Leadership Corps on our tour, [it] was so amazing… I came for the people, the community, and the space we’re in,” says Averie Younge from the Shakopee Delegation.
Even though many people do not return for a second year, the ones who do are not only an amazing addition to the community, but rewarded by a lifetime of good memories.