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| Learning to lead
by Malia Durbano
Nominated by their teachers, the students attended a week of intense programs on leadership in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Congressional Youth Leadership Conference, the event is designed to educate, inspire and motivate students with leadership potential by giving them the confidence and skills they need. programs on leadership in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Congressional Youth Leadership Conference, the event is designed to educate, inspire and motivate students with leadership potential by giving them the confidence and skills they need.“It’s an opportunity to reward kids who have worked hard throughout the year,” explained Escalante Middle School teacher Yvonne Wilkinson. “We wanted to recognize students who are showing initiative in academics and activities and to give them an opportunity to help develop those gifts.” Wilkinson recommended eighth-grader Evatt Salinger, who attended the Washington, D.C., session from Oct.9-16. Sally Zabriskie, Evatt’s mother, was not only proud of the nomination, she was pleased with the results. Zabriskie said she knew Evatt had a lot to bring to the table with his already-established leadership skills, but that the conference “gave him a sense of how much he already has going on.” She felt the program opened a variety of possibilities for how he can use his abilities. “He’s definitely more worldly with an increased self-concept since his return,” Zabriskie said. Evatt agreed. “It was an amazing experience,” he said. “I met kids from all the different states, and it was fun hearing their cool accents, especially one girl from Tennessee and one from Louisiana.” Since returning, he agreed with his mother that the rewards of the program will probably show up gradually over time. As he recited the six characteristics of leadership – character, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, goal setting and respect – Evatt said he knows he is already using a few, everywhere from the classroom to his defense position on the Escalante soccer team. “There is a lot of organization required in the position, in working with the mid-fielders and the defense. I’ve noticed I’m getting through to them better,” he explained. Evatt was required to write an essay on his definition of leadership as part of the application process. Using a quotation from Warren G. Bennis, an American scholar credited with pioneering leadership studies, he wrote, “Leadership is the capacity to turn vision into reality.” Evatt’s first-hand experience of meeting people who are doing just that showed him what it takes and that it is possible. The aspect of the program that affected him most was a role-play situation staged for all 200 students. In the scenario, a grandmother was giving advice to her grandkids. The lesson Evatt gleaned from the scene was, “If you want to do something, jump in and do it. Don’t hold back. Jump in and participate. Success isn’t just meeting all the requirements and not doing anything extra.” Charlie Eich, a sophomore at Durango High School, attended the program July 3-10. He had expressed an interest in the military, and selected the curriculum for his trip based on that. In applying, Charlie felt the trip would be a “once in a lifetime opportunity to see and learn first hand.” The curriculum he selected was “National Security and Intelligence.” With a group of 17 students from all over the country, he toured the Pentagon, the State Department and the International Spy Museum. The students heard lectures from members of the CIA and FBI, among others. “The experience will definitely affect my future career choices,” Charlie said. “I have a broader spectrum of ideas of what’s available in an area I’m interested in and know more in depth about what each agency does. Since the program was styled after college courses, it helped me feel more prepared for what’s ahead.” Charlie added that the experience had a profound impact on his current studies and activities. “I really learned about the dedication it takes to be in those positions and to do things well,” he said. “It was very impressive.” Charlie was deeply affected by a CIA agent who shared the following quote. “Everyone wastes an hour a day. What can you do during that hour to be better at whatever you want to do instead of wasting that hour?” It emphasized to him that leaders must dedicate themselves to achieving their highest potential. While Charlie is still unsure about which career path he will pursue, this experience gave him more to “mull it over” before he decides. “I was impressed with what our leaders do and how they do it and the respect that comes with it,” he said. Charlie, Evatt and the other traveling students from Durango now join the ranks of the 200,000 young people representing all 50 states and more than 100 countries who have participated in Congressional Youth Leadership Council programs. So, if you voted on Nov. 4 and wished you had better choices, you may just get them in a few more years. •
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The Independent Weekly Line on Durango and Beyond
As Durango voters went to the polls Nov. 4 to elect new leaders, a select group of Durango students were learning what it takes to become tomorrow’s leaders.