The Youth & Government program had a great impact on my life. I expected to grow and mature as an individual, but I did not realize the change I was going to be so immense. I came in with set goals of what I wanted to do with my life, but I did not realize the passion and desire I had to succeed in life. This program opened my eyes to a new horizon because it got me involved with my community. I came to the realization that change comes from the individual and those changes amount to history in the making. I was inspired to become a community leader. There was a point when I was scared to get up and speak in public, but now I have the necessary public skills to make the best out of my life. I seek a challenge as much as possible to enrich myself with experiences and develop a more mature and strong character. Meeting all these high school students from all over the state motivated me to step up my game and be ready to compete against these individuals in the work force. Now I am ready and set to take the next step in my life and go to college. I am looking forward to attending Georgetown University in the fall of 2009 to major in International Political Economy.

Michelle Leon