Patriot Academy is having a nation-wide impact that is expanding every single year. The alumni that are trained at Patriot Academy are not your “average” young people as evidenced by the drive and passion that mark their lives. No matter the career or position they find themselves in, the young leaders that have experienced Patriot Academy take the skills they have learned and put them to use in making a difference.
Here at the Patriot Press, we are highlighting some of these Patriot Academy graduates who are truly leading the change in America.
Name: Nicole Hudgens
State: Texas
Year(s) Attended: 2012, 2013
-What first got you interested in Patriot Academy?
I was on my way to Washington D.C. in the summer of 2012 with a family policy group. It was a trip for students to learn more about American history and public policy. I was really praying about what God wanted me to do for my career at the time. When we were on the bus making introductions for the trip, a girl named Laura McDonald introduced herself, then told the group about how she had just came back from Patriot Academy. She went on about how it was the most incredible experience she had ever had.
As she started talking about PA, I felt like the Holy Spirit prompt me to look up Patriot Academy right then and there. So I took out my phone and I immediately started researching.The more I researched, the more I felt I needed to attend PA.
Even though it was very last minute, I was able to apply. It was amazing how God provided the funds for me to attend through mentors, friends, and family. Going to Patriot Academy was an important milestone that set the foundation for the work I do now.
-Was the experience what you had expected? Why or why not?
Patriot Academy really exceeded my expectations. I now work as a policy analyst for Texas Values, and looking back, one of the most important things I walked away with after Patriot Academy was a strong foundation of understanding public policy from a Biblical and Constitutional worldview.
As a public policy analyst who now works on state legislative issues, the hands-on experience I had at Patriot Academy was a great training ground. Because of Patriot Academy, I came into the policy arena already having a grasp of parliamentary procedure, understanding why and how a bill goes through committee, and a comfortability with the process as a whole because Patriot Academy simulates the the legislative process as close as possible to a real legislature.
The relationships I developed at Patriot Academy exceeded my expectations. I came to Patriot Academy not knowing anyone. But there is such a wonderful camaraderie that produced some very strong relationships. The Green family and the many volunteers and committee coaches were, and still are, a great source of encouragement in my life. I see many of my friends from Patriot Academy almost daily when I’m working in the legislature. And I of course have to mention Kassie Dulin. She was like a mentor to me, and now is one of my dearest friends.
-Has Patriot Academy changed the direction where you see your life heading?
It did! It was one of the really important milestones as the Lord helped me form my career path.
-What particular skills did Patriot Academy teach you that you are using today?
My undergrad is in speech communications, and I’m getting my master’s degree in public policy right now. However, even with an undergrad in speech communications, there were things that Rick Green taught about public speaking that were new to me and very helpful.
I would definitely say another important thing I developed at Patriot Academy was a strong foundation for understanding and analyzing public policy.
One practical example – when I’m looking at a piece of legislation at my job, I’m subconsciously asking – does this limit government, does this provide for individual freedom, does this support the free market, does this support traditional family values? Because of this Biblical and Constitutional filter I learned at Patriot Academy, I can be confident in the policy recommendations I give.
The first year that I attended Patriot Academy, my dad was the one who gave me my Torch of Freedom medal. My dad is an Air Force veteran of 24 years. I’ll never forget the moment in high school when my dad told me he had signed his name on a dotted line in order to protect the freedom for our nation. Seeing the veterans at Patriot Academy made me realize that I have responsibility to do what it takes to insure that the freedoms that my dad and so many others fought for are carried on to the next generation.
I know not everyone is called to be a public policy analyst (and that would be a really boring world if they were!). At the same time, because the previous generation fought so hard to preserve those freedoms, it’s our responsibility to stand in the gap for the next generation.
Having that generational mindset is something that is instilled at Patriot Academy. It’s critical that we have that kind of mindset. We have to fight for the next generation.
So on a daily basis, when I’m going to work, and especially when I’m working really long days (anywhere from 12-16 hour days during the legislative session- and even working on weekends!), I try to remember that the work I’m doing will affect the next generation.
-What opportunities and/or connections came as a result of Patriot Academy?
One of the best connections I’ve had is my friendship with Kassie Dulin. In 2013 I heard her speak at Patriot Academy and afterwards I asked if I could talk to her. At that point, I had already gone up to D.C. for internships (I interned at the Heritage Foundation and at Family Research Council). I was praying about what to do next as it had been a bit of a difficult transition season with a lot of unknowns. Kassie gave me some very helpful encouragement and even prayed for me! Since then, she’s been someone who has encouraged me to be steadfast in seeking the Lord in everything I do.
It is also very fun to have so many other PA Alumni, who are working in the legislature! These incredible young men and women are giving wise counsel to legislators making decisions that impact our entire state.
-What was the most important thing you learned at Patriot Academy?
Understanding the “why” of what you’re doing is critical. The whole reason for why I’m doing right now is for that next generation. At the end of the day, everything goes back to the fact that we have been given such a gift of freedom from previous generations. They fought for that freedom, and even gave their lives for that freedom. We have the honor and the responsibility to protect that freedom and insure that the next generation is able to walk in that freedom as well. It’s an inheritance we’ve been given. It is also a responsibility that has been entrusted to us. I love that Patriot Academy trains students to understand this concept and constantly reminds students that they are never too young to start fighting for the next generation.
And if we don’t, who will?
