Nick Kessel, a recent graduate of Milford High School, returned from Washington, D.C., with a newfound sense of political engagement and the realization that, despite his youth, his voice truly matters.
Kessel was one of over 400 young Americans selected to participate in the inaugural America in One Room: The Youth Vote, held from July 19-22, 2024. The event, organized by the Deliberative Democracy Lab at Stanford University and the Close Up Foundation, brought together a diverse group of young people from across the United States to engage in thoughtful discussions on some of the nation’s most pressing issues.
Kessel, who is set to study meteorology at Central Michigan University, found the experience transformative. His journey to Washington began when his AP Government teacher, Gabrielle Downey, encouraged him to apply for the program. Downey’s recommendation sparked Kessel’s interest, and the prospect of engaging in political discussions with peers from across the country was too compelling to pass up.
The event aimed to address political polarization by gathering a representative sample of youth to deliberate on key policy topics, including environmental policy, the economy, health care and democracy. For Kessel, the discussions were not only an opportunity to engage with different perspectives but also a platform to have his own voice heard.
Initially drawn to the program by the chance to visit Washington, D.C., Kessel quickly discovered that the substance of the discussions was even more compelling.
“I was interested to see what people my age thought about political issues and whether they could discuss them in a polite manner,” he explained.
The event’s structure, which involved small group deliberations, allowed for deep and respectful engagement on complex topics. One of the subjects that particularly resonated with Kessel was environmental policy, a field he felt knowledgeable about and eager to discuss. He found the opportunity to share his thoughts and learn from others to be both enlightening and empowering.
Kessel’s experience was further enriched by the event’s location in Washington, D.C., where participants had the chance to explore the nation’s capital and its iconic landmarks. For Kessel, seeing the Capitol building and other historical sites made the often abstract world of politics feel real.
“It makes the whole thing seem more tangible,” he said, reflecting on the experience of being so close to the center of American political life.
The impact of the event on Kessel was profound. He returned home feeling not only more politically informed but also empowered by the experience of having his voice heard in a national conversation. “It was interesting to talk to people who have the ability to make policy changes,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the opportunity to engage with experts and policymakers.
Kessel’s participation in America in One Room: The Youth Vote has inspired him to become more active in following and engaging with political issues. He now feels more confident in his ability to contribute to the national conversation and more determined to stay engaged in the political process.
Encouraging other young people to seek out similar opportunities, Kessel urged, “If you have the chance to apply for something like this, definitely do it.”
Learn more about the America in One Room: The Youth Vote program at: https://www.closeup.org/america-in-one-room-the-youth-vote/