By: Andrew Graff
So the first day in the uncharted territory of Boys’ State begins. Many people are surely feeling different emotions and thoughts now. They could be feeling nervous, excited, unsure, a mixture of all three or others. Despite what emotions the participants are feeling today, they can rest assured and know that while this is surely going to be unlike anything else that they have experienced, it will be the kind of experience that may not present itself ever again within the person’s lifetime. What makes this experience so unique is the independence this event gives to the participants. The idea that everyone will hold a specific public office with its own set of responsibilities is an exciting (and daunting) one indeed. However, as everyone is aware, there is a host of other activities to take part in outside of running for office. Some people will take part in various sporting activities, others will engage in the fine arts, and finally some will join the media. Whatever activity the various members choose to take part in, they can rest assured in that the key to success is determination. No person started or will start something already an expert in that field, the great people that have been remembered throughout history excelled in their fields because they put in the time and effort to become those great people. While the independence experienced here will be frightening for many, they can take solace in being determined individuals throughout their stay here.