Paging in Olympia: Michelle Jimenez

Paging for the Senate as a part of the Washington World Fellows was a renewing force in my passion for diplomacy. I had already set my mind on working in government, but at times it’s easy to feel disconnected from the legislative process when you don’t live in the capitol or aren’t a constituent just yet. While in Olympia, we had the honor to attend a reception for the Association of Washington Generals, where we were able to personally thank and meet the legislators and individuals who got us to Spain. My love for government and the people behind it was reaffirmed, and I couldn’t say “thank you” enough.

During the week, whenever we weren’t on duty or at page school, we were planning out our futures together. Taking practice ACT/SATs, discussing scholarships, essays, majors, etc. I found myself talking about college and for the first time in a long time didn’t get this overwhelming sense that it’s too far away. I’m still amazed at how dedicated the WWF team is to our success, and I know now more than ever that they will be there for us through the journey.

Of course, one of the most anticipated aspects of paging was getting a chance to see everyone again. The Fellows had become each other’s rocks in Spain, and we were ecstatic upon arriving. For some of the Fellows, it was their first time in the capitol and their first time interacting with legislators. We were nervous. At the same time, this was another fear we could overcome together.

Paging for a week was fun, honestly. Being on the Senate floor during session, it’s not hard to see that Washington’s government belongs to the people, and it was exciting to meet our senators. We had a good time no matter what we were doing, and if I could I’d do it all over again.

Washington State Leadership Board

The Washington State Leadership Board, a trustee agency of Washington State, specializes in delivering equity-focused leadership programs for the State of Washington. It is best known for bestowing official honors on behalf of the state, such as the Washingtonian of the Year, as well as the following free youth leadership programs. These include:

Washington World Fellows, a study abroad + college prep program for high school students

Boundless Washington, an outdoor leadership program for young people with disabilities

Compassion Scholars, an experiential travel program aimed at promoting compassionate leadership

The Washington State Leadership board was originally founded in 1971 by then-Lt. Governor John Cherberg as the “Association of Washington Generals” with the goal of recognizing service. Today, the Leadership Board continues its long legacy of recognizing service while also working to cultivate leadership among Washingtonians through its annual awards events and its statewide leadership programs.

In 2005, the State Legislature codified the organization in state law, charging it with a number of important roles: the members of the Leadership Board act as “official ambassadors of trade, tourism, and goodwill for the state”, and must work to “expand educational, sports, and employment opportunities for youth, veterans, and people with disabilities.” The Legislature also linked the Leadership Board with the Office of the Lt. Governor, creating a close partnership between the organization and state government. Later, the State Legislature established several programs the Washington State Leadership Board administers into state law, including the Washington World Fellows and Boundless Washington programs as well as the Compassion Scholars.

https://www.washingtonleaders.org
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Stories from Spain: Impressions from the Airport

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Paging in Olympia: Carlos Barajas-Zamora