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I went to Atlanta back in February for the annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. I had an absolutely amazing time, and I thought I would share my stories with you.

My flight was scheduled to leave on Friday the 12th right around 11:30 a.m. Of course, due to the crazy winter weather this year, that didn’t happen. My flight was canceled and it seemed like my trip was already taking a turn for the worst. Luckily, my hero Grey Scheer, of Blue Ridge EMC, was driving down for the meeting early; I hitched a ride. Grey and I departed Lenoir right around 9:30 a.m. and arrived in Atlanta at roughly 3:30 p.m. When we arrived we were greeted by an old friend: snow. Let me take the time to remind you that Blue Ridge EMC is located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. You can rest assured that I’ve had my fair share of snow days this winter. Anyway, Grey dropped me off at the hotel where I finally met up with the rest of the Youth Leadership Council. My trip was finally underway.

On Saturday the YLC participated in a community service project at a local high school. We, along with other members of cooperatives from around the nation, replaced old fluorescent light bulbs with new energy-efficient ones. We worked all day Saturday and changed hundreds of light bulbs. I would also like to mention that the city of Atlanta does not possess any sort of tools to use on the roads for snow and ice. Our tour bus climbed a hill at 2 mph for 45 minutes while trying to find this school. I found it to be very entertaining.
Sunday was a work day at the convention center where the meeting was held. The YLC was responsible for working the Congressional Action Center. Our job was to recruit cooperative members to send e-mail to their Senators and House representatives that dealt with current energy issues. You too can “Take Action” by sending an e-mail to your elected representative. Visit https://ssl.capwiz.com/nreca/home and follow the instructions.

Monday was the first General Session of the annual meeting. The YLC took part in the Parade of States. This is the ceremony where each member of the YLC carries their state’s flag across the stage. I would like to say it was an honor to represent North Carolina and carry our state flag.

Monday was also a special day for all of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. The North Carolina Electric Cooperative Association was awarded the National Community Service Award for Youth Programs. North Carolina’s “Bright Ideas” grants have awarded millions of dollars to local schools over the years. Way to go North Carolina!

Tuesday was the big day; I gave my speech. I sat backstage anxiously awaiting someone to tell me it was my time. I will say that I wasn’t that nervous, but when you are running on five hours of sleep it’s somewhat hard to possess any emotions. However, once I hit the stage, my adrenaline started pumping. I was somewhere between excited, tired, proud and nervous. Nevertheless, I delivered my speech, and it went great. It was one of the best experiences I have had.

I would like to say that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as North Carolina’s representative for the Youth Leadership Council and as the National Spokesperson for the Youth Leadership Council. It was an experience of a lifetime. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Jacob Brooks is a senior at Alleghany High School in Sparta.

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