Jamie O'Neals Testimony

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

Apply Now!

Now is the time to apply for the 2009 Youth Tour trip to Washington DC. Check with your local electric cooperative, 4-H or FFA for more details. Don't miss this all expense paid trip to Washington DC!

Reflection

THE GOOSE STORY

Author Unknown


Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in ‘V formation, think about what science has learned about why they fly that way.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following it.

By flying in a ‘V formation, the whole flock can fly at least 71% farther than if each bird flew on its own.

Perhaps people who share a common direction can get where they are going quicker and easier if they cooperate.

When a goose falls out of formation, it feels the resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of flying with the flock.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will work with others who are going the same way we are.

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies on the point.

It pays to take turns doing hard jobs for our group.

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally, (get this) when a goose weakens or is wounded and falls out of formation, two geese fall out with him to help and protect him.

They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and they then set out on their own or in another formation until they catch up with the group.

If we had the sense of a goose, we would stand by each other like that.

OBSERVATIONS and LIFE LESSONS
Observation #1: As each goose flutters its wings, it creates an updraft for the bird following it in the V-formation of migration. By flying in this V-formation, the geese are able to migrate further than if each bird flew unaccompanied.

Observation #2: When the lead goose tires, it peels off the point position and rotates back into the V-formation. Another goose then steps up and takes its turn fighting in the wind from the point position.

Observation #3: The lead goose (on the point) never honks. The geese behind the leader continue to honk praise and encouragement to the lead goose.

Observation #4: Sometimes two or three geese break away from the formation in order to look for a better wind current or a more creative and better way to fly.

Observation #5: When a goose gets sick or wounded and has to go down to land. Two other geese fall out of the formation and go with it to support and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to return to the formation. Then the “escort” geese try to catch up with their own flock or another formation of geese. Life’s Lesson #1: People who share a common vision and sense of a common direction go further and faster by supporting one another.

Life Lesson#2: It pays to take turns delegating critical task to team members. It also allows everyone in an organization to grow.

Life Lesson #3: The power of praise plus recognition is critical to success as people work together on significant projects in an organization.

Life Lesson #4: An effective organization believes in constantly experimenting with new ways at methods. In today’s environment, teamwork is an absolute necessity.

Life Lesson #5: When tasks are tough we need to support one another. Delegation plus teamwork require follow-up, dialogue and support.

Day 5: A Day of Respect to Our Country's Famous Leaders and Those Who Have Served

The morning began with a visit to the Iwo Jima also known as the Marine Corp memorial. Here we watched the Marines practice for their Sunset Parade.

Next, we headed to Arlington National Cemetery. Our tour took us to President John F. Kennedy's grave, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the Arlington House. We watched the reverent ceremony of the changing of the guards and we witnessed a fighter jet fly over for the burial of a veteran. It was a beautiful but sobering experience.

After our tour we headed to the National Archives this is where the original drafts of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights are kept. They are in a large room for viewing, but these documents can be protected from disasters and attacks because they are placed in secured vaults.

We spent the rest of the afternoon touring the memorials and monuments. We saw the World War II, Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam War, and Korean War memorials. We also, drove past the Albert Einstein statue. Then it was off to the Pentagon City Mall for dinner, shopping and relaxation!

Day 4: Youth Day, Smithsonian and Boat Cruise

The day was jammed pack with exciting activities. We started with the Youth Rally.
Emily was introduce on stage as our 2008 Youth Leadership Council Representative! She made Louisiana proud. The rest of us livened up the place by chanting our cheer!

During the rally, we were introduced to how the electric cooperatives got their start. Actor David Landis reenacted Senator Norris's life story about his life growing up on a farm with no electricity and how he went to Congress to make a difference.

We also learned about the NRECA's Our Energy, Our Future campaign. We were encourage to go to Capitol Hill and ask the tough questions that will make a difference in our futures and our energy bills.

The rally ended with a motiviational speech from Mike Schlappi. He had an inspiring message for every American, young or old: "Just because you can't stand up, doesn't mean you can't stand out." At the age of 14, Schlappi was student body president and an Eagle Scout, and was dreaming of a career as a top American athlete when he was involved in a tragic shooting accident. Doctors told him he would never walk again, but after months of rigorous therapy, he began playing basketball from his wheelchair and went on to become an athletic standout.

Schlappi is a four-time Paralympic Medalist and two-time World Champion in Wheelchair Basketball. The only wheelchair basketball player in the United States to be on four consecutive summer Paralympic teams, Schlappi was honored by the state of Utah in 2000 as one of its Top 50 athletes of the past century.

After the rally we spent the afternoon at the Smithsonian. We were allowed to explore the many museums in the area. Everyone found something they were interested in whether it was the Air and Space , Natural History, Native American, are one of the many art museums. Unfortunately, at the same time we were scheduled to board the bus and huge storm came through. Some of us got very wet, but we all made it back to the bus safely and we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the boat cruise.

Luck was on our side! When we arrived at the docks the weather cleared up and the boat was able to sail. We had a blast. Some of us enjoyed partying on the dance floor. Some watched the beautiful city go by from the observation deck as we sailed down the Potomac River. It was great to meet some many people from different states. We traded beads and pins while getting to know about other people's homes and cultures.

Computer Problems

We are experiencing computer problems. If we can get it fixed, more post will follow. Sorry about the delay.

Day 3: Natural Bridge and Washington DC

Today was Jessica's 18th birthday. Her family surprised her with a bag full of gifts, but they were also nice enough to treat everyone in our group with candy and water guns. We are going to have lots of fun with these treats! Thank you Jessica's parents!













The Natural Bridge is one of the seven wonders of the world. We were all amazed by this beautiful work of nature.











Here are our cave dwellers!












Congratulations Emily! Emily was selected as our 2008 Youth Leadership Council Delegate. She will represent our great state of Louisiana on stage tomorrow and at the National Rural Electric Cooperative's Annual Meeting! Good Luck Emily with your duties in the upcoming year. Make us proud!