Reflections from a Visit to the Department of Transportation

In reflection is where we do much of our learning — a truism in service-learning and a central tenant in most any formal learning environment. With that in mind I must have wanted to learn a lot about the Project Ignition trip to Washington, D.C. to hold a day of job shadowing with the Department of Transportation (DOT). For the past month I have been reveling in extended, useful reflection.

What have I learned about this experience (through reflection)? 

1. It takes a team to pull such an event off successfully. Every person involved, from those in State Farm who initiated the idea, those at the DOT who went so far out of their way to prepare and amazing life memory for everyone involved, and especially the 10 youth who benefitted from this trip. All of the NYLC staff were needed to coordinate the events, find the funds within already tight budgets to pay 27 people to go on this adventure, including 10 youth and 12 advisors. And those in Washington took time out on a very snowy evening to honor these youth and schools for their leadership in teen driver safety and service-learning.
2. Even with short notice our Project Ignition teachers and advisors are up for anything as long as they believe this will make a difference in student’s lives. This absolutely was an event of putting youth first, removing any barriers on their behalf, and then fully enjoying the opportunity for youth to shine. I cannot say enough of how wonderfully the advisors responded when we asked so much of them, having left all their other work, advocated within their district that this student deserves this chance, and, with such short notice, they made their systems move.
3. Washington, D.C. leadership has a genuine appreciation for youth leaders. We clearly saw that the people at the DOT lead very serious and busy lives. These professionals take our youth leaders seriously, held thoughtful and open conversations about their shared work, and fully listened when our youth spoke. These federal government employees — a term at times ignorantly used with derision — represent out best and brightest. They in fact reminded me of our Project Ignition youth. When we talked to them, “integrity,” “engaged,” “knowledgeable,” “leader,” and “working in the public interest” were the thoughts that came to my mind.  We all felt honored to be given their time and attention.

Twenty-two youth and advisors traveled from 10 different schools, representing seven different states with the hope to learn more about how our federal government shapes policy around transportation and, more specifically, teen driver safety. Additionally, they hoped to make it clear that the federal government has a powerful ally among youth leaders across the nation. Upon reflection, I would say that our goals for this trip were well met.