Kaua‘i’s Sage C experienced an all-expenses-paid vist to Washington, D.C. with the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s Youth Tour.
Every year, KIUC sends four students on this trip of a lifetime to visit our nation’s capital so our leaders of tomorrow can learn about the political process. Sage joined student delegates from all around the country as they toured the capital, learning about our government and history, and meeting Hawai‘i’s congressional leaders. After the visit, she wrote about the experience for KIUC’s Currents magazine.
DARING GREATLY
By Sage Chaney
“The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.”
Brene Brown, Daring Greatly
Participating in the summer KIUC Youth Tour was an incredible experience brimming with history, valuable life lessons, personal growth and cherished friendships. The program allowed us to experience a world outside of our beautiful island and gave us a glimpse of possibilities.
The experiences were vast. Washington, D.C.’s amazing collection of architectural marvels, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, triggered a sense of awe as we walked past large stately columns, intricate facades, and domes. I found it fascinating to observe the contrast between historical and modern architecture. This was especially evident when I compared the modern curvilinear architecture of the National Museum of the American Indian to the U.S. Treasury with its Greek Revival style.
Visits to museums and memorials, such as the National Museum of the U.S. Army and Arlington National Cemetery, gave us a chance to reflect on the historical significance of the sacrifices made. The opportunity to meet Sen. Brian Schatz and witness our government’s structure and inner workings during Capitol Hill Day was a unique and valuable experience.
However, what most resonated with and inspired me during this trip was the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association youth program conference. The event’s main highlights were the amazing guest speakers.
Mike Schlappi’s captivating and impactful speech, “If you can’t stand up, stand out,” described breaking through self-imposed limitations and delivered the powerful message that our only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. He gave us examples of his hardships with some witty remarks, making it engaging. He reminded us that while we may not have control over certain circumstances, we can always control our response to them.
This experience has inspired me to strive for greater personal growth and to approach challenges with a renewed mindset.
Being part of the 2024 Youth Tour was, indeed, a daring greatly moment for me. It was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to learn important life lessons and create lasting memories with other young leaders.
Read about KIUC’s Youth Tour
Sage (far right) and her fellow Kaua‘i delegates contributed to Sen. Mazie Hirono’s collection of paper cranes.
