HSLP 2009: Day 3, July 13

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 3—Monday, July 13, 2009
Reported by: Callie Guy, Richmond

     This morning we roused ourselves for the first day of classes. We hiked to class 3 different ways. They were all uphill too, if this keeps up my glutes are going to get soooooo toned. When we finally arrived to class it was about 9:30. An ethics discussion with Marc Johnson and a resume workshop with Barbara Kessler were on the agenda for this morning. They both had really interesting things to say. Marc had some really good insights on what constitutes an ethical dilemma. I’m sure they’ll be very helpful as we continue on with our careers, political or otherwise. Barbara Kessler’s presentation was especially relevant and helpful considering that the majority of us are applying to college this year. The lectures were very discussion based, and that interaction made the 9-to-5 class schedule way more manageable than I was expecting. Our classes are in the science building, so when Hollis and I took a bathroom break we saw some helium tanks in a lab and thought it would be totally hilarious if we gave a presentation with chipmunk voices.
     We had a working lunch where we discussed the major problems in our local areas and statewide to address in our final group projects. It was fascinating to hear what people from other areas thought needed addressing and to see that there were some issues that were prevalent statewide such as education while there were other problems specific to certain regions such as traffic problems in Hampton and Northern VA. I really enjoyed that the discussions we have here are thoughtful and respectful, and I’m excited to be a part of a group of students with a really great vision for all the potential our commonwealth has.
    This afternoon Delegate Chris Saxman of the General Assembly was our guest speaker. Although I am not a fan of his work with the John McCain campaign and I disagree with many of his positions, I enjoyed his presentation. He is an engaging speaker and told funny stories. We finished the day with hamburgers and Easy Mac for dinner and it’s early to bed tonight because I am wiped out.

—Callie Guy, Richmond