“This past week I had the chance to participate in the experience of a lifetime,” said Trevor, a New York 10th-grader, in an article in his community’s online newspaper. “The 2017 Envision Presidential Inaugural Leadership Summit was attended by nearly 2,500 students... [who] learned that we can all be agents of change if we work and apply ourselves.”
Being a part of the Inaugural Summit was an inspiring experience for us here at Envision as well. It was our way to take part in history, while helping to empower the next generation of leaders. As we reflect on the event with pride, we’d like to sum up the experience with quotes from some of the Summit scholars.
An Opportunity for Growth
Many students attended the Summit not only for the Inauguration, but also to achieve personal growth.
“I became more aware of the issues around me and had an incredible and eye-opening experience,” said a Summit scholar named Tianna. “From being nervous to present in front of a classroom to being confident in front of a group of 60 and then 600 (yes, I spoke in front of 600+ people), I can say my communication skills have improved greatly.”
Courtnee agreed: “I grew as an individual. I learned how to be more confident and how to never stand down from something you believe in.”
“[The Summit] taught me how, as young people, we can actually make a bigger change than we think,” said Roque. “We can all be leaders and do something in this world.” Andrea added, “I can go back to my community and bring these leadership skills with me, to make a change in my own home.”
A Future President?
Based on the scholars’ comments, it seems that some new political aspirations were launched at the Summit. Anthony described the Summit as “life-changing.” His hometown newspaper says Anthony originally planned to be a CFO, but now is “already learning the basics of politics”.
In an article in the Washington Post, Summit scholar and Chase the Race reporter Charles shared his determination to be President himself someday. Charles voted for Hillary Clinton, but is hopeful that Mr. Trump will be a successful president. “A vast amount of people voted for him,” he said. “Those people believed in him and the hope would be that he will make their lives better. Do I know that will happen? No. But I’m hopeful.”
Some scholars appreciated the new perspective that Mr. Trump brings to the political table. Middle school student Kenlee said, “He is not a life-long politician, and he doesn’t owe anyone anything. It will be beneficial for a businessman to run our country, and it’s a chance for our country to have a fresh start from lifetime politicians.”
Vive La Difference!
The Summit, like our nation, was defined by diversity.
“I met many interesting people, many of whom harbored different political opinions than my own,” Summit scholar Alexa told us. “However, there was a surprising consensus in the 2020 Change Agent Workshops: despite having different political views, every single person I encountered had a positive and unifying vision... Everyone was incredibly dedicated to ameliorating the world.”
High school freshman Peyton agreed: “We have kids from every political view, from every ethnic group, everything you can think of. [Envision] actually sent out an email that was heartwarming. It said, ‘Remember we're all human beings and we're coming to this to work together, to collaborate. Put your political differences aside and let's have a good experience.’”
The divisiveness of the election was in itself a reason for students to attend the Summit, as pointed out by 16-year-old scholar and Chase the Race reporter Zack: “This is such a hostile time in the political world, and students really need to take part in the process and get involved in the system, because we are the people it is going to affect the most.”
Witnessing History
Asked what he will remember most about his Summit experience, scholar Colten recalled departing for the National Mall and his view of the White House and the Washington Monument, bathed in an orange glow from the rising sun. “Being there on that day you felt an aura of power. There was something in the air, a feeling – I don’t know how to describe it – of awe.”
Tenth-grader Trevor told reporters: “The National Mall was filled with thousands of people and there was excitement in the crowd. My favorite speech of the Summit was the inaugural speech given by President Trump. Being able to hear it in person is something I will remember forever…. As an American, I would recommend everyone go see the inauguration in person at least one time. It is something you will never forget.”
Whether it was witnessing history, gaining a sense of empowerment, hearing from inspiring speakers, making new lifelong friends, or contributing to solutions for the future, it seems clear that attending the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit made a difference in these student’s lives. Perhaps Summit scholar Maya summed it up best when she said, “I’m fired up and ready to go! Are you?”
background-image: a building with the American flag in front of it