Student gets close look at government

To the editor:

I would like to thank the Southeast Missourian for its generous donation toward my trip to the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. I learned more about our nation's government in a way that would have been impossible by simply reading a textbook. The other students and I participated in simulation of different branches of government. I learned the most from the "Testing the Constitution" simulation. I was a defense attorney in a Supreme Court case. This role encouraged me to go into a law profession.

The other simulations were "If I Were President" and the model Congress. During the "If I Were President" simulation, other students and I played the president and Cabinet members who made important decisions involving foreign policy. I was the press secretary and advised the president on how to present information to the people.

The model Congress spanned an entire week. It helped us to learn how to pass a bill. I was chosen by my group to represent the amendment to the bill we wanted to pass. I had the amazing opportunity to stand in front of my peers and convince them to vote yes.

Throughout the week I learned much about our government and our country. I also met students who helped me appreciate different cultures around our country. I plan to use this experience to affect our community in a positive way. Thank you again for aiding me in this experience.

BARBARA GILLARD, Jackson