Over the past year, I have had the most incredible opportunity to serve as Illinois’ representative on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Leadership Council (YLC). This experience completely changed my life and the trajectory of my future.
When I was selected to attend Youth Day in Springfield, I had no idea what I was signing up for. I spent the day going to the Illinois State Capitol, visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and hearing from numerous speakers. One of those speakers was the YLC from two years prior, Paris Van Dyke. I was in awe of her ability to speak in front of a room of that size. What I did not know then was that I would be doing the same a year later.
After our interviews on Youth Day, I got the news that I was chosen to attend Youth Tour. This seven-day trip to Washington, D.C., was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. On our first night in D.C., I was elected by my peers to be Illinois’ YLC. Throughout the rest of the week, we were busy visiting different memorials and historical sites. While the architecture and history were extraordinary to see, something stood out above all of that — the connections I made.
When I delivered that speech to be elected as YLC, I gave it to a room full of strangers. By the end of the week, those strangers had become lifelong friends. This theme continued throughout my year as YLC.
I flew back to D.C. in July to meet other YLC representatives for a week of speakers and leadership development. This gave me the chance to network and realize the importance of my role as YLC. Upon my return, I delivered a speech at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting. The skills I learned in D.C. helped me to do this with confidence and clarity.
For my service project in October, I organized a blood drive through the Red Cross. The experience showed me the power that my cooperative, Adams Telephone Co-Operative, has to bring together an event like this. I also went to Nashville, Tenn., to attend PowerXchange, NRECA’s annual meeting, which allowed me to connect with cooperative leaders from across the country.
Through YLC, I have grown so much. However, I learned something much more important. I learned the importance of electric cooperatives. They do more than just turn the lights on — they invest in their communities and young people like me. I would not be where I am today without Adams Telephone Co-Operative, the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, NRECA, and all the mentors and friends I made along the journey.
