Spring break has faded and now all students are ready for summer, graduation and the list goes on. As I reflect on my spring break, it was an impressive and a memorable experience. I had the honor of representing the state of Florida at NYLC, National Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C.  Over  six days I participated in a variety of simulations and played various roles of America’s leaders.

NYLC is a non-profit organization promoting young leaders of tomorrow. The first day I stepped into conference it would be one that I would never forget. I met a diverse group of people, for example my roommates where from Texas and Idaho. From the state of Florida alone there where about thirty people representing different sectors of Florida.

Since there were over 300 people at this session everyone was grouped according to a LGM (Leadership Group Meeting). The first simulation that I participated in was “If I were President” where I played Speaker of the House. All twenty-one in my LGM had to solemnly prep for this simulation. Once everyone has had a background for the policy we set the stage and plan of action.

As the week progressed, I had the chance to sightsee at the famous Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and women’s Korea Memorial. In addition, I walked all the Smithsonian’s museums and had the honor of meeting Florida senator, Bill Nelson.

Capitol Hill day was the best day for me throughout the whole conference. I had the excitement of meeting my one of my senators, Bill Nelson. He is a democrat who has been to space and back. His whole D.C. staff was nice along with senator Martinez. From there on, in the afternoon I went to visit my house representative, Congressman Cliff Stearns. One of the important aspects on Capitol Hill during the day was the house vote on Barrack Obama’s budget plan which resulted in  a 196 nay to a 233 yea. It was a busy day and week in the House and Senate, and for me to have the opportunity to witness the motion of everything is  truly an advantage for me in the future.

In the end, NYLC was an event that I will always cherish from the people I interacted with to our model congress. I learned and visualize how America’s leaders and government really works behind-the-scenes and I enjoyed myself to the fullest. My whole trip taught me to take responsibility for what you have to do and if you want something, strive for it wholeheartedly and never give up.