The Trip of a Life Time

By Ashley Reisbig

Ionia High School

Ionia, Michigan

 

        The Michigan Youth Leadership Forum was on June 11th through the 

15th. The forum brought together thirty people from all around 

Michigan, who were the same; we all had a disability and the drive to make our disabilities our strengths.  This forum changed our lives; it empowered us to make a change in our selves and the world.

        The forum started on Sunday.  On the way there I got more and more nervous with every mile.  When I finally got to the Michigan State campus, where the forum was held, I wanted to tell my Dad to turn around and go home.  I was so nervous when I was checking in, but as I looked around the room I noticed that I was not the only one.  The first night we got to know each other through workshops and icebreakers, I, normally shy in my hometown, went out and was able to talk to people in the stress free environment.

        On Monday, the second day we learned about the histories of our disabilities.  Also about employment interviews - what to do before, during, and after them, as well as what a future employer could ask us about our disabilities during our interview.  For entertainment, we went to the Lugnuts game and hung out in the commons, playing cards and getting to know each other even more.

        On Tuesday, we learned all about how a bill becomes a law.  To practice, we as a group made a mock bill involving all teachers being required to take classes to learn how to teach special education.  That way every teacher can instruct all students in a variety of ways, so we can better grasp the information. We debated the bill in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.  Maria Tobias was elected as chairman.  By now the 30 people from all around Michigan became like a family.  We knew what each of us had gone through in our lives, our stories very similar, and that was what pulled us together.

        Wednesday was a busy day.  It was the day we went to the capital!  We debated the mock bill, and it passed with minor alterations.  We also met with legislators and lobbyists one of which was Doug Spade.                       

He has a disability as well, he is blind.  In addition, we got to tour the floor.  After we got back to the campus we talked about work and college opportunities.  This night was also the night of the dance and a fun ping-pong match.  Three of my closest friends and I almost decapitated a few others...

        Thursday, our last day, was the hardest.  When I awoke l suddenly felt a mix of emotions I wanted to go home and see my family, but I didn’t want to leave my new one.  Our last activity was to go to the Kellogg Center for the Leadership Luncheon.  There we got to thank the sponsors of the forum and show them how much the four days changed our lives.  After we had to say good bye to our new friends, emotions were high, giving each other our phone numbers, promising to call every day and giving tearful good bye hugs.

        The Michigan Leadership Forum truly changed my life! At first I didn’t want to go - dragging my feet all the way.  But after four days of learning a lot and having plenty of fun, I didn’t want to leave.  To anyone with a disability, I would strongly urge you to go, you won’t regret it, I promise!!