Student Quotes:

“It's been an amazing experience,” he said of the program. “I think it's meant more to me and helped me more than anything else I've done in high school, even with the leadership positions I've held. This has gone far beyond that.

This opened so many more doors. It exposes you to so many new experiences that you simply can't have on the high school level.

It helped me gain an understanding what a role in leadership really means—even to somebody at my age—and where you can take it.”

-- Kent Ford, MS 2005 YT and YLC National Spokesperson 2005-06

“It's not just a week of sightseeing. It is even more than a chance to meet other students from across the nation and shake hands with your congressman. I gained a new sense of pride in my country and respect for those who fight to defend the freedom it offers.

Meeting and speaking with my congressman made me realize that the issues debated in Washington have an impact on my life and that I can have a voice in those issues.”

-- Julia Schuchard, GA

“The time we got to spend with our congressman is something that I will always remember. We got to ask them questions and talk about issues we were concerned with.

Don't let this opportunity slip by. Amazing people have made this wonderful trip possible and it is truly the experience of a lifetime.”

-- Faren Rachels, GA

“We listened to brilliant speakers who inspired me to make a difference, and I found out what legislators actually do all day and how hectic it can be.”

-- Erin Garner, GA

“It opened my eyes even wider to solidify my desire to enter law and politics.”

-- Rebecca Gaal, GA

“Once I saw those monuments, I was not only happy to finally see them, but I also realized how much I love this country.”

-- Matt Henning, GA

“The Tour instilled in me a great respect and pride for our country, a better understanding of the EMC's in Georgia and, most important, equipped me to be a better leader in Wilkinson County, Georgia."

-- Josh Dunn, GA

“I will never forget it. It was an eye opening experience with many memories.”

-- Emily Schmitt, IA

“I learned a lot about how rural electric cooperatives work and how the new energy bill will help fund wind/renewable energy sources. Also, I learned about filibustering and how both democrats and republicans have to work together.”

-- Gina Kubik, IA

“I learned about leadership and how we can make a difference. I learned not to give up on yourself. I learned you can do anything you put your mind to.”

-- Julia Michaelson, IA

"The trip was the highlight of my summer! It wasn't what I expected at all - it was ten times better. My view of our nation's government was broadened; I realized that it is just not some disconnected part of our country, but rather it is the basis on which all our lives are founded. We can't afford to ignore it.”

-- Brenna Smith, IA

“The trip was an awesome experience for me. Being in D.C. close to our nation's history and government made me more appreciative of what our forefathers and today's government people have given up to make this country the land of the free and home of the brave.”

-- Josh Kraayenbrink, IA

“I gained many leadership and public speaking skills while helping with the Congressional Action Center during the NRECA annual meeting in Florida .”

-- Kirk Shoemaker, PA 2005-06 YLC representative from PA

“This was the greatest days of my life. It was so easy to relate to these people I met and awesome to be able to see the nation's capitol with them. It was so interesting to see city life and different it is from Iowa .”

-- Kathryn Heiar, IA

“I learned to appreciate the roles our rural electric cooperatives play in local and national levels; to get involved with politics, even though I am not able to vote yet by helping govern instead of being governed and to pay more attention to current events that affect us as American citizens.”

-- Christina Palmer, IA

“I gained a better understanding of how the REC has impacted so many people. During our visit to Capitol Hill I learned about the Energy Bill that is currently being debated and how it will affect us.”

-- Stacey Kracht, IA