On Tuesday, December 5th, Yasmeen Galal was called down to the office. As this year’s President of the Connecticut Association of Student Councils, Woodland Regional Student Government Vice President, and CT Board of Education Representative, she was unaware of the new role she was about to be presented with–Connecticut Representative for the U.S. Senate Youth Program.

The Senate Youth Program is a scholarship program for the nation’s top high school leaders. Students travel to DC for a week to meet with other student representatives, their state senators, supreme court justices, and the president.

“It’s an opportunity to meet with others who are interested in public service and giving back,” said Galal.

The week spent in DC is meant to help student leaders strengthen their leadership skills, provide them with the opportunity to meet others with the same interests, and allow them to return to their communities with a new capacity of knowledge.

“It is special because it’s not just about the one week in DC,” said Galal. “You are meant to go home with skills you can apply to your school and organization,”.

Galal plans on bringing her knowledge back to the WRSG community, CASC community, and the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation where she is a member of the student advisory board. Her goal is to take advantage of every second of the program from her conversations with other leaders, to the speeches and lessons given by numerous speakers.

“There are 103 other delegates, I hope I walk out with 103 new friends,” said Galal. 

Getting this spot was not easy, so Galal is sure to hold on to this opportunity with a firm grip. 

Galal was one of many students who applied for a spot in the program. She was required to write two essays, provide a resume, and take part in two rounds of interviews. She believes that her interest in technology and policy implications of technology made her stick out among the other applicants. She also pointed out parts of the DC trip that she was interested in, and explained how she would utilize the trip to better her community. 

“I highlighted my values and how they aligned with the values of the program,” said Galal. 

After enduring a rigorous application process, Galal reigned victorious. She successfully captured the attention of the selection committee in the midst of the other top leaders in Connecticut. Being one of two representatives from Connecticut is truly an astonishing feat. Galal will also receive a $10,000 scholarship. Galal is spreading her wings, and leaving the nest, and she could not be happier. 

“I couldn’t believe it was real, even now I don’t think it’s real,” said Galal. “Getting to connect with delegates and seeing others being so like-minded makes being a part of this group really special.”