Dear KYA,
By Kirby M
“I came to KYA to get out of class for a few days, but something drew me back”, “KYA was something I thought I wouldn’t enjoy, but it became something I hold near to my heart”.“KYA means different things to each of us, but it has brought all of us together. Many different, unique, and complex pieces all brought together into one simple thing, KYA”
KYA. The acronym contains only three letters, and yet, holds the power to describe complex feelings and emotions an entire dictionary would fail to even simply express. What is KYA? Is it a conference? A place to meet other youth interested in Government? A place for the expression of ideas and creation of solutions for the problems plaguing our state? A place where people are brought together in search of the greater good of our commonwealth? Or is it just, KYA. Something so complex, yet so simple on the surface. A program made up of so many aspects, you couldn’t just choose a few. So we know what KYA is, but what does it mean to you? For some of us, KYA gave us a place where we felt wanted. For others, KYA gave purpose, compassion, hope. KYA has given us so much. It seems like just yesterday I went to my first KYA and presented a bill with friends. I sit experiencing my final conference, which feels like it should’ve taken decades to reach. Although it is sad the final chapter is closing for some of us at KYA there’s always a brighter future ahead. The chapter being penned by the current and incoming freshman to KYA will inevitably work toward leading our commonwealth to a brighter future.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, KYA has impacted you in some way. KYA has helped to change us into the people we are today. The sad reality is, for some of us, our times are soon coming to a close. Yet, KYA will continue to attract and impact others as it has done for us. Our efforts, as were those of the people who came before us, were to write our chapter in the book of KYA, and prevent it from closing. The book being authored here has many chapters, all different and complex, but working toward the same goal. To better the future of our commonwealth. Just like our 25 cent piece, KYA can be represented by the simple phrase, “E Pluribus Unum.” Out of the many aspects that make it, KYA is still the one thing we remember most. Because out of the many of us, we work toward one unified goal. Out of many chapters, we are but one. Coming to a close, having laid the foundation for others to succeed, we all look forward to a better tomorrow.
