It is great to be part of something larger than yourself, but to be
part of something larger than yourself and turn it into something
that is your own is truly special. This is exactly my experience with
the electric cooperatives. Starting off with my small hometown coop I
was fortunate enough to be selected to represent them and my state in
Washington DC on the NRECA annual youth tour. At this youth tour I
was introduced to the world of electric coops and learned their
impact on our rural communities and our country. From the youth tour
I was blessed once again and was chosen to represent my state on the
youth leadership council. If the youth tour wasn’t already enough,
the YLC went above and beyond any expectations that I could have
held. From my participation in the YLC, I was later selected to come
back and assist the program for a couple of years as one of the
staff. In all of these many experiences, I was able to see much of
our beautiful country and experience history first hand in our
nation’s capitol. Not only that, but I made many rich and lasting
friendships that I value greatly.
My time with the electric coops was an important part of my life
which opened many doors. The most significant early on was an
internship on Capitol Hill one summer during college. All of these
experiences stemmed from that one essay contest in my hometown and
blossomed into years of wonderful experiences and a lifetime of
friends and memories. All in all, the electric cooperatives granted
me a life changing experience for which I am forever grateful. It
opened my eyes to the world and spring boarded my interests into
travel, politics, and the concern for helping others who might
otherwise not have been helped. I have traveled to several different
countries including Egypt, Italy, France, and England among other s
and am now in my second year of medical school. Without the coops and
the opportunities they afforded me, I’m not sure where I would be today.
Jamie O'Neal
2002-2003 Youth Tour Winner
2003 Youth Leadership Council
Worked as YLC Staffer 2006 - 2007
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