Being at Boys State has really been a great experience for me. For one, I never thought that I would actually run for a position in office, but with the guidance of the amazing Gleason County staff, they made me realize the potential that I possess. Just being at Boys State for the few days that I have been, I feel that it has given me the confidence to break out of my comfort zone. The first day I mostly kept to myself and avoided any talking to the people in my city. This all changed on the second day when I was asked / told to join the group of people in my city who were hanging out. I was quiet at first, but as time went on I finally opened up and I was participating in the jokes being told, and the stories being shared.
Not only has the social aspect of Boys State been a great experience, but also the academic side of it too. I came to Boys State having very limited knowledge of the government. I didn't even know that half the positions in my city and county even existed in real life for the most part, the classes have been very informative and great learning experiences. Actually experiencing government "first hand" has made it much clearer to how it is actually run in the real world. I have a new found respect for the government that I never thought I would have. I now realize that the leaders of this country are who are going to shape our future as a country and as Americans. It is crucial to the prosperity of our nation to vote and elect people that are going to be beneficial to our country.
William Osborne
Kissner City Clerk
Gleason County Clerk
Kaneland High School
Elburn, IL