Today we had
two effervescent speakers, Clifton Lewis of U.S. Vets and The American Legion
National Commander Dale Barnett. Both emphasized leadership, teamwork, and
transformative experiences in life. The combination of these three traits
succinctly sums up our collective ALA Girls Nation experience.
First,
leadership. Dale Barnett said, "Your duty is to be leaders." What
that means, however, is open to personal interpretation. This week, leadership
opportunities range from heading party committees to presiding over ALA Girls
Nation Senate to the coveted goals of performing presidential and vice
presidential duties. The impact of this experience extends beyond just this
week. The essential takeaway is the understanding that when we return to our
communities and our schools we are capable of anything and everything.
Hopefully, this inspires you to become a leader in your life back home and
moving forward.
Second, team
work. Lewis stated, "One person can't change the world...collectively, we
can change our community." Despite the seemingly individual aspect of
leadership, teamwork is essential to any great leader. Presidents have
cabinets. Campaigns have staff. Organizations and companies begin with a team
of dedicated and diverse experts. A group of leaders and representatives, in a
place like the Senate, can collectively change the community in which it
serves. Here, we demonstrate that collective leadership changes lives, both in
our model senate sessions and in the personal rapport we develop. As Lewis
added, we need to "stay together as a team" because the connections
we form this week will last a lifetime and provide opportunities currently
unimaginable.
Third,
transformative experiences. To summarize Barnett, don't look for what's fun,
look for what's challenging. The endeavors that make you better by the end are
more worthy of undertaking. If ALA Girls Nation pushes you, all the better, and
if you fear you're alone in this feeling, I can guarantee you are not. This
week will test our stamina, courage, and mindfulness, yet we will walk away
with greater endurance, bravery, and introspection.
To attempt a
new level of leadership while here will increase our self worth. To work
together will create a lasting network. To grow the most from this experience
will maximize our future potential.
Reflecting on
these three lessons from our charismatic speakers reminds me just how blessed
we all are to be here in D.C. this week.
Paige Lawrence,
Kansas
Alexandria
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