When Micah Anderson first joined the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), he wasn’t sure what to expect. A year later, he said representing Illinois has helped him grow as a leader.
“Representing Illinois on the YLC has been an amazing experience,” Anderson said while attending the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s PowerXchange annual meeting in Nashville March 9-11. “I’ve learned so much about leadership and networking, and I’ve really come out of my shell from it. I’ve met so many new people [who] I would have never connected with before, and it’s just been amazing to learn about cooperatives and their values.”
It all started in March 2025 when Anderson attended Youth Day in Springfield, sponsored by his co-op, Adams Telephone Co-Operative. He then went on to attend Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., in June. During the trip, he was selected by his peers as the 2025-26 YLC representative for the Illinois delegation. The YLC is a yearlong appointment.
During PowerXchange, Anderson attended breakout sessions focused on both emerging technology and the cooperative business model. But just as meaningful were the connections he made with people throughout the industry.
“My time in Nashville has been short, but it’s been so amazing,” he said, adding that one of the most memorable parts was getting to know fellow YLC members from across the country. Although he initially felt anxious when they first met during their leadership training in D.C., those concerns quickly disappeared.
“At first I was a little nervous when I came to D.C. for Base Camp, because it’s a bunch of people I’d never met,” he said. “But as soon as we got together, we clicked instantly. … Meeting people from Alaska, Hawaii and California — places I’ve never been — and finding something to connect about is amazing.”
Anderson credits much of the opportunity to the co-op that sponsored him throughout his journey, Adams Telephone Co-Operative. “They don’t know the impact they’ve had on my life,” he said. “I’ve learned so much about myself, about my country and about cooperatives in general. I just want to thank them for all they’ve done and helping me in ways they can’t even imagine.”
Looking back on the year, Anderson said the experience has changed the way he sees his own potential. “One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I don’t need to limit what I’m going to do in the future,” he said. “I can do anything I put my mind to. I really learned that because of the YLC program.”
For students who will attend Youth Tour in 2026, Anderson encourages them to make the most of the opportunity. “Take it all in,” he said. “It’s a week, and it’s a great opportunity. You get to see so much of our capital and meet a bunch of new people.
“And if you are applying for YLC, take it seriously. Reflect on if it’s something you really want to do — and if you do, go for it. … Enjoy the time you have. It may feel like it’s going to be a long time, but it goes by insanely fast. Don’t limit yourself. Take every opportunity you get.”
In just a few short months, Anderson’s service as Illinois’ 49th YLC will come to an end, when a new YLC is selected during this year’s Youth Tour in June. As for what’s next, he plans to begin his college education, starting with John Wood Community College and then to Lincoln Land Community College for the cardiovascular sonography program.
