January 13, 2006

  • Today, our office hosted the newly announced fellows of the United States Senate Youth Program. Essentially, they get to go to Washington D.C. and participate in a mock Legislative branch of the government. It's a very prestigious position to be in as only two high school juniors are chosen each year. I gave the students some advice, which was to take it seriously, and that it would lead to many other opportunities.


    When I was a junior at Valley High School, I was chosen to take part in Boys' State, which was a weekend retreat where a mock local government was set up and simulated. Students came from all over the state, and ultimately, two of the boys were chosen to go to Boys' Nation, also in Washington D.C., and also to participate in a mock legislative branch at the Federal level.


    I wish I had taken it more seriously. For me, it was a chance to get away from home. I used it as an opportunity to spend more time with my girlfriend at the time. Honestly, I didn't take advantage of a very lucrative opportunity. If I could go back, knowing what I know now, I would've done my best to have been elected Governor of the state.


    My counterpart at Girls' State, did just that. She was chosen to participate in Girls' Nation, and ran for President there. One day, I would not be surprised if she were to become the first African American female president. That would be awesome.


    There is a lot that I would change if I could go back through my life again. It's not that I regret my decisions, but I do wonder how much better my life could be had I taken other routes with my life. Passing up a full-ride scholarship at the University of Rochester. Being bolder about my love life. Being stronger politically. Getting more involved in sports. I look back, and I wonder what kept me from just doing it all. I'm a good example of what Nelson Mandela said in his inauguration speech: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?"


    I have to transfer that type of energy. Mandela went on, "Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." In this new year, I hope to shine. I hope everyone will join me as well.