My name is Nathan Jacob George. I am 11 years old and I live in Gallup. I got nominated by my school, Tobe Turpen Elementary School, in fifth grade, to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. My teacher, Mrs. Maynerich, and my counselor, Mrs. Nye, nominated me due to my excellent leadership skills and academic abilities.
The name of the group that organized the conference is called Envision. The conference started on July 9 and ran through July 14.
There were 150 students from all over the country. There were four different activities on each day. The first activity was to get to know each other. The second was a conference site tour. The third was the leadership focus group meeting.
We talked about goal settings, American presidency, and running for president of the group. The fourth was the Junior National Young Leaders Conference and a “You” meeting, where we talked about education and program leaders.
My second day was a busy day! I started my Envision Experience by meeting with my leadership focus group to complete a self-assessment and review my feedback for understanding emerging leaders results.
After a session on the American presidency, I ventured to Washington, D.C. with my group. Our first stop was the home of the president, which made for a great photo op.
I continued my exploration of U.S. history with a visit to the National Museum of American History. There, I participated in a “learning to look” activity, during which I studied artifacts from our nation’s history and reflected on their importance. I also got a chance to discuss and tour an exhibit that features the seven different roles of an American President.
My tour of Washington, D.C.’s rich history continued with an opportunity to visit some of our nation’s most iconic historical memorials, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
On the third day, we visited Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia. We learned about John Brown, the abolitionist. There, we talked about the orientation and discussed, “Would you follow John Brown and the Civil War Loyalties?”
On the fourth day, we went inside the U.S. capitol. We heard a speaker on the floor of the House of Representatives. We participated in Capitol Hill visitor center tours. Our keynote speaker was Anthony Robles. He is a three-time all-American wrestler who won the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling championship in the 125-pound weight-class, despite being born with one leg.
I was sponsored by Lions Club of Gallup, Peewees Kitchen, and by my parents. I am also thankful to God Almighty for giving me this opportunity to learn.
I want to make a positive impact on my community. I would like to communicate the truth — that people can achieve their goals in spite of their odd circumstances. I will try to organize a team to participate in the Science Bowl. I am going to try and be a participant in the spelling bee this year.
When I get to school, I will be more focused and take notes without being asked. I will get help to learn to go deeper in technology than I ever was before. I will also take notes on math when I go to school.
By Nathan Jacob George
