My exposure to electric cooperatives demonstrated how they are not merely just an electric company that sends out a cool magazine. They are organizations which are concerned about their members and work to make their communities better. They deeply care about the youth. I will never forget Consolidated Cooperative, the statewide office, and the kind souls which helped me throughout my time serving as the Ohio YLC.
Attending the Youth Tour and representing Ohio through the NRECA Youth Leadership Council has been my most memorable life experience to date. A little more than a year ago, I did not even know what an electric cooperative was. However, I will now tell anyone willing to listen all about them. They have deeply impacted my life and have become like a second family to me. Being a part of the Youth Leadership Council meant I had to
complete several projects. These taught me dedication and communication skills. Moreover, I was given numerous opportunities to practice my public speaking skills which greatly furthered them. I was able to establish a relationship with my local cooperative. I will never forget the kindness they exemplified and their dedication to the youth. One of the best parts of serving as the YLC is the relationships and connections developed.
My favorite part of the PowerXchange trip to San Antonio was the people I encountered and the personal relationship I developed with my local cooperative. I learned a tremendous amount about cooperatives, electricity, communication, and leadership while attending the PowerXchange conference. I had the honor of talking to the YLCs from 43 other states and was able to interact with an innumerable amount of people who work in cooperatives throughout the nation. I was exposed to the various job opportunities that electric cooperatives have, which far exceeded what I originally thought was available. Additionally, I have a new friend in almost every state now. Seeing the Alamo was on a bucket list, and I was able to cross that off. We did many other exciting activities such as an NBA game, escape room, boat tour, art museum, Josh Turner concert, and many other
thrilling things. I gained an incredible amount of new memories.
I cannot even begin to express the wealth of knowledge I was exposed to throughout this opportunity. I learned skills I will carry on through the rest of my life. I am deeply honored for the opportunity I had, and will never forget it. Thank you, cooperatives.
