National Youth Leadership Forum: National Security
The NYLF: NS was a remarkable experience that greatly informed me about our government functions and the importance of national security. The forum took place in Washington D.C. and lasted around a week. I got to hear from many agencies including the CIA, FBI, Homeland Security, and each of the branches in our armed forces. I heard directly from agency directors and high ranked officers including Lt. Colonels and even a Major General. I visited Quantico Marine Base and the FBI Academy located there. At the base I performed a hypothetical mission preparation in a sandbox with a set situation and fire teams. During the forum we participated in mock governmental systems. In the mock system I acquired the position of Speaker of the House. The problem our government was trying to solve was the drug trade starting from Columbia, through Central America including Ecuador and Mexico, and finally arriving in our country. The experience made me realize how powerful of a position being the Speaker of the House is. I also learned how difficult it is to take down drug cartels. I got to visit the capital and talk to various Senators that were there. I also visited some of the monuments and museums including the Smithsonian.