Daring Greatly
By Sage Chaney, Hawaiʻi Technology Academy

“The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time..”
Brene Brown, Daring Greatly

Participating in the summer KIUC Youth Tour was an incredible experience brimming with history, valuable life lessons, personal growth and cherished friendships. The program allowed us to experience a world outside of our beautiful island and gave us a glimpse of possibilities.

The experiences were vast. Washington, D.C.'s amazing collection of architectural marvels, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, triggered a sense of awe as we walked past large stately columns, intricate facades, and domes. I found it fascinating to observe the contrast between historical and modern architecture. This was especially evident when I compared the modern curvilinear architecture of the National Museum of the American Indian to the U.S. Treasury with its Greek Revival style.

Visits to museums and memorials, such as the National Museum of the U.S. Army and Arlington National Cemetery, gave us a chance to reflect on the historical significance of the sacrifices made. The opportunity to meet Sen. Brian Schatz and witness our government's structure and inner workings during Capitol Hill Day was a unique and valuable experience.

However, what most resonated with and inspired me during this trip was the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association youth program conference. The event's main highlights were the amazing guest speakers.

Mike Schlappi’s captivating and impactful speech, "If you can't stand up, stand out," described breaking through self[1]imposed limitations and delivered the powerful message that our only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. He gave us examples of his hardships with some witty remarks, making it engaging. He reminded us that while we may not have control over certain circumstances, we can always control our response to them.

This experience has inspired me to strive for greater personal growth and to approach challenges with a renewed mindset.

Being part of the 2024 Youth Tour was, indeed, a daring greatly moment for me. It was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to learn important life lessons and create lasting memories with other young leaders.

Amazing Connections & Lifelong Friendships
By Neva Leung, Kauaʻi High School

It was an honor to represent Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative at the 2024 Youth Tour around Washington, D.C. Overall, this trip was a great experience!

This trip gave me a wonderful insight to the political system and the ins and outs of our country. The tour was incredibly busy but in the best way possible. We saw almost every monument, memorial and museum you can think of! While staying right outside D.C., I got a taste of what life is like on the East Coast. I learned a lot about the United States’ history, from seeing the Constitution to touring the Capitol and White House.

Traveling with the three other girls from Kauaʻi, it was a wonderful bonding experience, and I’m so glad I got as close to them as I did. Our chaperone, Aunty Shelley, was the best and most resourceful person; I am forever grateful for all her help.

I also met some amazing people over this trip that I still keep in touch with. The Youth Tour allowed me to meet teenagers from all over the country. After the Youth Tour trip ended, I flew to Italy to study abroad. While there, I ran into someone I met on Youth Tour at the boat dance cruise! We ended up getting lunch and hanging out around Florence.

This shows how the Youth Tour creates amazing connections and lifelong friendships. I am so grateful to have had been chosen for this wonderful opportunity from KIUC.

History Becomes Tangible
By Eva Allyn, Kapaʻa High School

Four thousand eight hundred eighty-two miles away from home, history became tangible. Famed landmarks like Mount Vernon and the National Cathedral were places I never expected to visit outside of what what I imagined from history books. I never really believed I would watch the U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parade or stand at the heart of Arlington Cemetery for the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

That is...until the 2024 Youth Tour! Because of the partnership between Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative and Kansas Electric Cooperative, I traveled across the country and experienced the endless galleries of portraits, landscapes and art at the Smithsonian museums. I explored memorials that showed our nation's history which I had only ever read about. And I did it all alongside other kids who quickly became my friends through our shared excitement for the place and the learning opportunities presented.

The clear highlight of my visit was the center of the United States government: Capitol Hill. Built over two centuries ago, its white columns and marbled floors became a great symbol for our nation.

The Tuesday morning we visited, I was in awe. We were guided through the building first by way of a green and red subway. Deboarding, I discovered that beneath Capitol Hill exists a tiny city lined with restaurants, cafés and even hairdressers!

Returning above ground, we were led to the Rotunda. Breathtaking sandstone walls curved into a dome shape, with historical paintings completely encircling us. There was even an oil painting on the center of the ceiling depicting George Washington surrounded by angels! Again, I was in awe.

Both the inside and outside of Capitol Hill left me enamored with the neoclassical architecture, and I could not believe I was experiencing firsthand one of the most important buildings in this country.

Visiting Sen. Hirono's office, and meeting Sen. Schatz also made me feel Hawaiʻi's strong spirit in D.C. We participated in the fun tradition of making origami cranes to add to Sen. Hirono's collection, and when we talked to Sen. Schatz, it was not only inspiring, but an insightful look into how our democracy works.

And even though we were thousands of miles away from the islands, seeing King Kamehameha’s bronze statue still adorned with lei from the recent festival, made me happy to reconnect with my home.

An Indelible Mark
By Kaye Alvarez, Waimea High School

The 2024 Youth Tour provided an exceptional platform for teenage leaders from across the United States to engage in a transformative experience. Representing my state and our electric cooperative, I embarked on a journey that was both enlightening and profoundly moving.

One of the most memorable parts of my visit was experiencing the "Tower of Faces" exhibit at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The emotional weight of the Holocaust Memorial Museum transcends historical facts. This display, featuring photographs of Jewish families before and during the Holocaust, brought history to life in a deeply personal way. The faces of men, women and children frozen in time served as haunting reminders of lives lost and families shattered. Standing before these images, I felt the emotional impact. The reality of the Holocaust, as depicted through these personal stories, highlighted the importance of remembering and honoring the victims of such a catastrophic event.

While the entire trip offered an abundance of educational and inspiring moments, it was my visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum that left an indelible mark