A UHMC Student Travels to DC: Generation Unified: Leading an Inclusive Mindset

Saturday, October 19^th (Arrival Day): My mentor and I arrived at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Then, we got our baggage and took a Lyft with two other Youth Ambassadors and their mentor to the Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House. Next, after we were settled, all the youth ambassadors and mentors met in the lobby where we were greeted by Sara and Hannah. They handed out bags for each delegation with folders including itineraries, credentials, and other important paperwork. Finally, we all walked together to a group dinner at Stoney’s on L. After dinner, we all walked back to our hotel for the night.

Sunday, October 20^th (Day 1 Training): After breakfast, we went to the third floor of the hotel to a conference room. We had morning sessions which included the expectations and outcomes of the weekend, exploring our strengths and room for improvement in our leadership roles, and finding out which unified pair from Class 1 would be mentoring a unified pair from Class 2. After lunch, we rejoined in the same conference room for our afternoon sessions. This included a short activity from the Massachusetts pair which resulted in creating a unified generation playlist on Spotify and practicing our elevator pitch between the two classes of youth ambassadors. For free time, some of the group went to the Smithsonian Museum and then met back up for dinner at Halfsmoked. After dinner, we took a visit to the monuments. Finally, we headed to our hotel for the night.

Monday, October 21^st (Training/Prep Day): After breakfast, we headed to Special Olympics International Headquarters to prep with our activity captains for our roles for the next day. After lunch, we rejoined back together for a Celebrity Ambassador Focus group, which was my favorite. We also did a Brand Ambassador Training. After the break, we had a 2019-2020 goal setting activity. For dinner, we went to a Grilled Cheese Bar. After, we were able to visit the monuments again. Finally, we went to our hotel for the night.

Tuesday, October 22^nd (Prep/Conference Day): After breakfast, we headed out to the Special Olympics International Headquarters to prep for our roles for Wednesday roundtable discussions. After our taco lunch, we took Lyfts to the National Union Building to set up. My roles for that day were Unified Ted Talk and Film Screening. With my Youth Ambassador partner, our ted talk comprised of our own experiences through college lenses with whole school engagement and inclusive clubs and sports. I became emotional when a woman in the audience asked about my cyberbullying experience. The Film Screening was highly emotional. I did the introduction of the Film Screening with a Youth Ambassador from Florida. Next, my film, produced by Clickon, was played in front of the audience. The film is about my youth leader experience at the 2018 USA Games and the aftermath of attending the USA Games. Afterwards, we headed to Pi Pizzeria next door for fellowship and followed that with some sightseeing. It was our last night with all the Youth Ambassadors, so we stayed up late taking final pictures and creating memories. Finally, we went to sleep for the night.

Wednesday, October 23rd (Final Day): After breakfast, we headed out in Lyfts to the National Union Building. At the general session, which was in the Film Screening Room, there was a presentation about Unified Champion Schools, Inclusive Mindset, Friendships, and statistics from the topics discussed. After our break, we had our first breakout session, where we did an inclusive tile activity which was led by the Massachusetts Youth Ambassador pair. After our taco lunch, it was time for the second breakout session, which was a presentation and a panel with the Youth Ambassador pair from Iowa with their mentor and a high school principal. From the moment the panel started, I had emotions building up from these inspiring individuals who are sweet, kind, compassionate and supportive of each other. I asked the Iowa pair what they have learned about each other and their responses made my heart grow ten times bigger. I believe they have the power to take over the world with their high spirits and positive outlooks on life. After our break was the General Session. Before and During the General Session, I was emotional because my Youth Ambassadors, whom I consider as family, had to leave for the airport to head back home. The realization came in full affect when I knew we wouldn’t be seeing each other for six months. This proves I have a big heart for people I deeply care about. One of the youth ambassadors told me to remember the positive moments and assured me it was going to be okay. During the call to action with my partner, I was still crying but I made it through and accomplished what I needed to. After, my mentor and I returned to the hotel and had dinner at Five Guys. Finally, we went to the hotel, packed for our early departure back home the next morning, and went to sleep.

Stay tuned for our next conference in July 2020 in North Carolina!