Not long after I sent my essay, I received a call notifying me of my selection. I was going on an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital. This was an opportunity to see a variety of crucial aspects of American history as well as everything from the movie National Treasure. Needless to say, I was excited.

It was early June and I found myself on a road trip to Denver along with my fellow LPEA youth group members Collin Jackson from Bayfield, Isaac Jordan of Ignacio, and Tate Hinger and Jesse Laverty of Pagosa. All driven by the best chaperone on earth, and I mean that with total sincerity, Lonnie Tucker. Nothing bonds people like a six-hour car ride, and by the time we made it to the hotel friendships had blossomed.

While in Denver we met up with students from other Colorado electric co-ops and toured Tri-State Generation and Transmission which supplies electricity to all of the electric co-ops in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nebraska (yes, Tri-State powers four states, don’t ask, just accept it and move on). We also toured the state’s Capitol and even had the privilege of watching Gov. John Hickenlooper sign a bill into law.

The wake up call the following day was at four in the morning as groggy teens were herded into Denver International Airport and onto planes to D.C. Upon arrival in Baltimore, we boarded a new bus and headed for D.C. The first thing I remember upon entering the city was the Washington Monument. The majestic stone obelisk towered over the entire district.

Our first stop was at the Capitol Building, where we received an informative and interesting tour… the first of many.

Later on we attended a meeting that further demonstrated the purpose and importance of co-ops. That night, in our comfortable hotel rooms, sleep deprived and excited for the week to come, no one took long to fall asleep.

In the days that followed I toured a plethora of museums and memorials. I was touched by the Vietnam memorial and awestruck by the Lincoln Memorial. In the National Aquarium I stood inches away from sharks, and at a dinner theater I laughed while watching a spectacular play of Beauty and the Beast.

I was even yelled at by a guard at the Modern Art Museum of the Smithsonian Institutes for touching a piece. In my defense it was a type of wheel, and why would the artist make a wheel if it wasn’t meant to be spun? All of this took place while meeting and making friends from around the country.

On the final day, the Colorado kids and I were given a tour of the National Library, which possibly has the most beautiful architecture and interior I have ever seen, and allowed the opportunity to talk to various senators. I am so thankful to all of them for taking time out of their schedule to talk to us and answer our questions.

All together it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I will never forget.

I made friendships and memories that will never leave me, and for all of this I am extremely thankful to LPEA and everyone involved in the National Rural Electric Tour.