Initial Feedback from Boys State - Part I

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NJROTC-CC

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May 6, 2019
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DS is up at Boys State right now. Going-in, I had no idea what he would get out of it. I did not let him watch the documentary because I wanted him to have an open mind.

First, a bit about DS. He is very outgoing, social, likes sports, is the XO of his high school NJROTC unit, and is very popular. He is all about hanging out with his friends, going to the gym and is very excited to have landed his first job at Chik-Fil-A. However, he has never been an intellectual, or had any interest in politics. So, I was afraid he would get up to Boys State and come back and tell me something like "they were a bunch of nerds" or "it was boring." I heard very little from him the first three days. Then on Day 5, this morning, I got a text. "I got elected to the Senate out of 40 kids from the entire state. I forgot to tell you." (We are in a very large state.) Then, later in the day "I'm very into the legislative process. I'm for studying law in the military." (He plans to do NROTC-MO.) Then, still later "I love the Senate."

So, DS appears to be very "geeked up" by the experience. I couldn't be more relieved and proud that he is finally taking life a bit more seriously and maybe finding something he is passionate about. It is the best week of his life so far. I am so grateful to the American Legion for giving DS this experience.
 
I just had the pleasure of texting a longtime legion friend from a neighboring post where he is the Boys State rep the news that one of "his" kids was just sworn in as Governor. We had the actual State Attorney General on tap to do the oaths and to present to the boys tonight. Graduation is tomorrow and as usual the week went very fast. The boys that I've spoken to seem to be very happy and appreciative.
 
The Legion posted this last night:

“One of our favorite sights to see at Boys State is our Delegates, who may have been unsure or even disinterested with the program at the beginning, then later that week come into lunch (normally a free time) and immediately begin discussing bills, procedures, and what to do next when they get back to the Capitol”

That sounds like it could be about my DS. Prior to going I thought he had no interest in anything serious.
 
I wish I was able to do it, my state canceled their program for 2021. However, I've been fortunate enough to participate in the State Youth in Government program. I can definitely attest to how much fun it can be to spend a week or weekend in the State House debating bills or policy with students from around the state. A rewarding experience for sure, and being elected to a position is one of the best parts!
 
DS made new friends from all over the State. He wants to drive 3 hours to visit them.

The best part is that he got to experience being a little fish in a big pond instead of being the big fish in his high school pond. I told him if you want to soar like an eagle you can’t fly with turkeys. And he was surely soaring with the Eagles last week.

I hope he continues his interest in government. He plans to run for senior class treasurer senior year. We will see where it leads him.
 
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