What first got you interested in Patriot Academy?
I first heard about Patriot Academy from my friend and Team Policy debate partner. They were attending the same year and told me about it. She convinced me that we should do it together!
Was the experience what you had expected? Why or why not?
No! Before arriving, I felt unprepared and a bit unsure what I was getting into! But once I got there, it was so much better than I expected! Patriot Academy was so much fun!
Has Patriot Academy changed the direction where you see your life heading?
I attended Patriot Academy because I knew that I was interested in government and politics from my debate experience in high school. My experience at Patriot academy totally confirmed that, although I may not become a member of the legislature, I was passionate about influencing and crafting policy in other ways.
What particular skills did Patriot Academy teach you that you are using today?
The committee meetings taught me how to set up questions in a more subtle, conversational way than I had previously learned in debate. The fundraising skills have also been extremely valuable.
What was the most important thing you learned at Patriot Academy?
Patriot Academy showed me how the legislative process actually works from the inside. The hands-on experience taught me in a more comprehensive way than a textbook ever could!
Want to get involved so that more young leaders
like Gretchen can continue being trained through Patriot Academy?
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