I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to participate in the Washington Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar.  I am so glad that I was able to take part in such a program.  My week in Washington was awesome and completely worthwhile.  I loved the wide variety of activities and presentations scheduled for week.  The program allowed us to roam around individually or in groups to explore many of the sites we ventured to around Washington D.C., which was very enjoyable.  One of my favorite aspects of the program was being able to meet and develop friendships with peers from across the country.  Exploring the bustling capitol with these students was quite the privilege.  The program kept us all very busy, which turned out to be a good thing.  I even desired more time to explore some other museums.  I was nervous about the Model Congress because I lacked experience in formal debate, but the counselors and fellow participants encouraged participation and made very comprehendible.  The whole process of designing a bill that the proper majority would agree on was challenging but rewarding in that I learned much about the debate and bill writing process in Congress hands-on that I would not have been able to learn otherwise.  The Washington Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar taught me to be more confident, daring, and open to other ideas.  I learned much about cooperating with others and taking initiative as well as government processes.  I am overjoyed that I chose to take part in this experience.  As a result of my week in the program, I am even more inclined to take an active role in politics.  Although I am not sure whether I will choose government as a career path, I know that I will always be a more active and aware citizen in whatever career I choose and will be sure to pass on the importance of taking an active role in the government to others.  I have no regrets concerning my participation in this program.  I have been greatly rewarded with the Washington Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar as one of my life experiences.

 Thank you so much Colonial Dames. I greatly appreciate this opportunity and cannot thank you enough.