We’re Not in Linden Anymore

Remember your first time to Washington DC?
You never looked at the back of a penny the same way again (remember a penny?).

Lincoln Memorial November 11, 2016.

Never gone?  It’s a trip you will never forget.
Thankfully because of JTG, several Perry County High School seniors won’t either.  Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) hosts a National Student Leadership Academy in the Nation’s Capital each autumn.  JTG, one of 32 JAG state affiliates, takes a group every year to tour and compete against other JAG students.  JTG programs have to raise money (about $1,500 per person) and the Perry County High School community always makes fundraising for NSLA a priority.  Longtime JTG specialist Mikki Williams and current JTG specialist Melanie Gladden have impacted many lives by making sure Perry County students have this opportunity.  Among the beautiful things about this new blog is that it is a voice for  JTG students to write first-hand accounts about their experiences in the program, such as taking a trip to Washington DC, something that didn’t seem possible back in the summer.

I introduce guest blogger, Perry County High School senior Taylor Mullins (far left in the picture above), as he reflects on his November, 2016 journey:

This was my first trip ever to Washington D.C.  If given the opportunity to go back, I would take it.  I loved everything about this trip.  If had to pick my favorite thing, it would be when we visited the Smithsonian.  I also really enjoyed the twilight bus tour because we saw the monuments all lit up, which was really cool.  Visiting the Holocaust Museum was extremely interesting.  It was an excellent learning opportunity, as I love everything about history.  You can read all you want about the Holocaust but until you see it in person, it’s not the same.

Who could forget the leadership sessions?  It was really cool to get to meet other kids from around the United States.  Not only did I make a lot of new friends, but the people leading the sessions made them fun and enjoyable.  My favorite part about the sessions was when we played a game called train wreck.  Believe it or not, that game can get very intense but it was fun to play.

Taylor (second from left) with classmates in front of the U.S. Capitol.

To future JTG students, definitely take this opportunity.  Some of you may be like me, your first time, and trust me it is definitely a once and a lifetime experience.  Speaking of first times, this trip to Washington was also my first time to fly on an airplane.  At first it was a little intimidating, but once we got up into the air, I was able to just sit back and enjoy the flight.  It was also pretty cool to look out the window and see what the world looks like from high in the sky.  I would like to think Ms. Melanie Gladden and Ms. Mikki Williams for all of their hard work to make this trip possible.  I would also like to thank all of the business in Perry County that helped to sponsor our trip.

Finally, to my fellow classmates,  It was a pleasure to go on this trip with you, and I enjoyed all of the lessons I learned in class and the lessons that I learned on this trip.

Taylor Mullins
Perry County H.S. ’17

Pretty cool, huh?  These students will never, ever look at DC the same way on TV or in pictures again.  The experience to travel from Linden to Washington DC is life changing for many and JTG made it happen.  It’s not your typical high school class.  It’s a program that improves lives forever.

What are some of your memorable experiences in DC?  Do share.