I first participated in the Illinois Youth Summit during my junior year of high school. I had heard good things about it from my peers who had participated in the past, so I decided to try it out for myself. It ended up being a very beneficial experience for me.

During the Illinois Youth Summit, we discussed current issues not only with our peers, but also with adults who have knowledge, experience, and or influence on the topic. This was really great, because through this program we were allowed to voice our questions and opinions to people who can help us better understand the issues.

Also, we showed that while we may be teenagers, we have educated views and opinions. It was great to see the looks on the policymakers' faces when we had questions just as powerful and informed as any politician or citizen!

Through this program, I learned that although I may be a minor, my opinions do count. My peers and I felt liberated when we were allowed to ask questions that other adults might have just ignored.