The anticiapation which filled me in the days leading up to the congressional forum was paralysing.
Writing the speech, preping with my fellow sawipers and shutting myself in my room for hours, to make sure I get it just right, could not erase the nauseating feeling at the pit of my stomach, that constatly threatened to overwhelm me.

The response that I received to my speech, was both overwhelming and humbling. Never could I have immagined that “my story” might move people they way it did last night. As a simple girl, with a simple life, from a simple town, it was completely overwhelming…

The speeches by my fellow sawipers was also amazing…all of four, resonated powerfully with me, and made me realise just how prosperous our country is with specific regards to young leaders…