I would like to start off by saying just how deeply impactful this entire experience has been for me.

This summer, I was one of 14 young people accepted to participate in the Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison (OYCL) Program with the Forum for Youth Investment. We learned about advocacy and then flew to Washington, D.C., to talk with our members of Congress about real issues facing our communities. 

For three months leading up to the D.C. trip, we met virtually because we are from all around the country (which is insanely cool). Though I am not usually a fan of online meetings, this one was different. Before each session, we were asked a simple but powerful question: “What do you need today to feel safe?” I had never been asked that before. It set the tone. It showed me that this space wasn’t just to learn about advocacy or the Reconnecting Youth Campaign, but also about being genuinely cared for by the Forum staff who led the program.

When it came time to fly to D.C., it was my first time flying on a plane alone. I was scared, but once in the air, I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude. I was flying across the country to speak on Capitol Hill. To share my story. To try and make a difference.

From the moment I arrived, I was met with so much kindness and love from everyone. I think all of us were nervous; meeting people in person after only knowing them over Zoom for a short time can feel awkward. Fortunately, those emotions disappeared quickly because talking to everyone was so easy. We connected in a way I had never experienced before. It was refreshing and comforting to be surrounded by kind and like-minded people. 

We visited so many amazing landmarks while we were there. On the first night, we were able to see the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Standing there, I reflected on the impact of his words, not just on this country, but on the world. In that moment, I felt I had the power to do something meaningful too. I was here to tell my story and make a difference in my community. 

During our first day of in-person training, we heard from two OYCL alumni from 2022 about “Strategic Sharing,” a method of telling our stories safely and effectively to achieve a goal. As they spoke, I felt deep within myself that I was not alone in my struggles. Their stories mirrored mine in ways I didn’t expect. Our cohort had the chance to share, too, and I found myself resonating with every voice in the room. I felt lucky that life brought me to that room with those people.

Later, Edward DeJesus of Social Capital Builders gave a powerful presentation about social capital. We learned about the importance of relationships and how to build and maintain them. People are often taught the importance of networking and connecting, but no one ever tells you how to do it. Ed did. He was able to teach me something I did not even know I needed, but will help me get to the places in life I have always dreamed of.

Now, to talk about arguably the most exciting day: speaking to our members of Congress. I felt very professional wearing a whole suit. It was so exciting, but I was also very nervous. I was originally going to meet with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) herself, but she is a busy woman and got pulled into an important legislative meeting. So, I met with one of her staff instead! I was able to share my story and concerns about what my community is going through back home. I spoke about how Opportunity Youth in the district are impacted by housing insecurity and transportation barriers. It was a very empowering meeting to put my advocacy skills into action.

Being part of the OYCL program has truly changed my life.

I learned that telling my story is enough to create a movement for change. My voice and lived experiences, like every young person’s, are and will always be important and impactful. I have new people in my life who I now consider family from different states. I might even have a new career trajectory because I discovered I love this work and feel a burning passion for it.

The impact of OYCL won’t end here. It will stay with me in every story I share, in every community I advocate for, and in every change I help create.