Spot the Differences
By Kristopher Paige
This year’s KYA Conference was set apart from previous years due to numerous reasons, most obviously and most importantly by the fact that it was held online rather than at a hotel, as it’s usually been in the past. While returning delegates felt this difference keenly as they proceeded in this year’s activities, first-year KYA delegates entered an altogether unique debating experience. The nearly three-hundred delegates that attended were sadly not able to partake in what actually occurs at in-person KYA and all the various traditions that come with being an attendee. Despite this unfortunate reality, returning delegates know that the joy and spirit of Y-conferences emanate not from where we are, but from who we are, and who we choose to be.
The media program has done its best to provide delegates with information about what goes on during a conference through its podcasts, videos, social media posts, and articles. By interviewing several delegates, I was able to collect insight on how this year’s conference went and how it compares to a standard one. Some returning delegates such as Sydney Morrow (South Oldham) found virtual life “remarkably easy to adjust to,” but others found it difficult, as being at home can be both distracting and isolating. Fortunately, the virtual conference also came with benefits such as a more flexible schedule, more time to sleep in, and the ability to easily research during the sessions. Surprisingly, delegate Brooke Simon (South Oldham) felt that “the loss of sleep deprivation almost takes away from the experience because [normally,] it adds this underlining adrenaline to everything” going on at the hotel. Participating and engaging each other is something that could’ve been easier or harder depending on who you ask during this virtual experience; in my opinion, debating and presenting seemed to be easier not only because of the hard work and passion of the conference leadership, but also because it was easier for chairs to recognize who was raising their hands (hand-raising was as simple as a button click). Furthermore, some delegates did not feel as though they had a “large number of eyes” watching them and thus, were less nervous and more ambitious. On the other hand, delegates also felt as though the sessions lacked some of the “special energy” found in-person and acknowledged how easy it was to get distracted or “tune out your computer.”
While a normal day at KYA stills consists of attending session and delegation meetings, in-person meal times and KYA traditions usually brought delegates together and allowed them to bond in a way that is hard to recreate virtually. Unfortunately, this year’s delegates are missing out on numerous fun activities, but at least they have many new experiences to look forward to next year. One such activity is the beloved mixer karaoke: brave delegates walk onstage to sing their hearts out for all to enjoy. Chanting is another activity at conferences, and it often takes place during GAs. Delegates sing chants like “My Little Red Wagon” and “Rock the Boat” to try to overpower each other’s delegations. Along with these traditions are many others, such as enjoying sleep deprivation, watching sunrises out of hotel windows, having fun at the optional-mandatory fun time, and participating in the general chaos that occurs at KYA. In reality, most delegates are truly missing one thing: each other. Getting to room together with friends, debating policies, and trying to better the world (in the crazy ways delegates do) which creates a magical manic energy, and it is this energy that makes KYA the amazing and unique conference that it is, whether that be online or in person.
