At first, I became slightly homesick, but that was subdued when I quickly made friends. It was easy to make friends because everyone there was there for the same reasons. You could lounge around and eat as much as you want or you could run for offices, play sports, and eat as much as you want. I did the latter and in doing so, I learned of the intricacies of our democratic process, I made new friends, and I feel the most accomplished I have ever been in my life. Sure, the 6 a.m. wake up time is a nuisance, but you will quickly find out that your initiative and the ability to run for office in charge of 600 people is better than caffeine.  Ultimately, though your experience here really does depend on your initiative and participation.  

Matthew Boone
County Clerk – Gleason County
Belleville East Township High School
Scott Air Force Base