MGA: An Incredible Experience


By: Hannah Birch

It is that time of year again. The best and brightest students from across the state have all gathered in Richmond, Virginia to participate in one of the most educational and inspiring programs our schools have to offer: The Model General Assembly. For seventy years, teens have been provided with the opportunity to become more involved with our state legislature and its innerworkings. We represent everything from members of the House and Senate, speaking passionately about our bills, to lobbyists, vying to get their feelings known. Currently, the city seems to be crawling with young adults looking slightly out of place in their professional attire.
The people we meet are incredible. We are all here to congregate over one common goal: to grow and learn within our schools, communities, and state. Despite many disagreements, nothing can replace a bond made over mutual interest in government. It is obvious when we look around at the alumni who took this experience and built their careers, that this program truly does have the ability to change lives. College staff returns year after year to lead the Underclassmen Legislature and keep all in attendance informed and in line. The amount of work going on behind the scenes is more involved than we could possibly imagine. Between battling spilled coffee and lost bill books, and corralling kids who only have the vaguest idea of what is actually going on, it is a miracle that they are still standing. However, at least one member of the alumni staff is more than happy to remain as active as he can be.

Spencer Snyder has been attending MGA for eight years. When asked about his favorite behind-the-scenes action, he said, “I really enjoy staying busy, and always having something to do. Everything I have access to that you guys (students attending MGA) do not in the Capitol Building is another plus. We have almost complete access to all resources.”  

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