READING, Pa. – One lucky student in Berks County earned the opportunity to spend the week among the nation’s leaders on Capitol Hill.
It was a life-changing week in Washington.
“Every year, the Hearst Foundations, they select 104 student delegates from across the country — two for every state,” said Sloan Wolfe, Twin Valley High School senior.
The Berks County student was one of the chosen ones to live out her dream.
“We go to Washington D.C. for a week-long program, as well as we receive a $12,500 scholarship. So, it’s a very great scholarship, and I’m very thankful to be a part of the program,” Wolfe said.
The United States Senate Youth Program consists of various guest speakers, leadership activities and extracurricular opportunities.
“We got to walk through various different Senate buildings and walk across the Capitol,” Wolfe said. “Being able to walk into NASA and be a group of student delegates who will never have this opportunity in their hometowns was monumental.”
“Being able to attend all of these different guest speakers’ seminars and have the privilege to hear from them firsthand is a remarkable experience,” she said.
It’s an experience among students from all walks of life.
“All of the students at the program came from different backgrounds and different communities, and it was really interesting to hear about each and every person’s life story,” Wolfe said. “Many people came from different parenting styles, but also just different geographical locations, and that can shape our perspective in a variety of different ways.”
Reminding the future generation, that we can bond through differences.
“I think the biggest message of this program was to bridge the divide between different political parties and a polarized political climate.” Wolfe said. “I think regardless of political beliefs or different ideologies, it’s really important that we learn about the other side, no matter where you stand or what you believe.”