A man from Kentucky

I spent this past week in Lexington, Kentucky with the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship as a member of their inaugural Student Congress. This was some amazing program.

When we arrived on Saturday, we were 51 rising college seniors (one from each state and DC) who had no idea what to expect. As people arrived, we sat in the lobby and talked. That night was my 21st birthday. I am one of only a handful who can say they have drank beer with people from at least 40 states.

We went to Ashland, Henry Clay's impressive yet modest Lexington estate, where we learned how to "alphacize" by state. It's safe to say we can all name the states in alphabetical order now.

Next on the agenda was a day at Transylvania University, a small school on par with my college. I met a professor of rhetoric there, and I think I might be talking to him about my thesis! We also saw downtown Lexington and Henry Clay's law office.

Tuesday was our first day of classes. Our academic itinerary was established by the head of the Patterson School of International Relations, and he lined up some pretty impressive speakers. We did leadership exercises, including some of the funniest icebreaker skits I have ever seen.

Wednesday was by far the most memorable day. In the afternoon we went to Frankfort and visited the Capitol, which was really impressive. They let us sit at the desks on the floor of the House of Representatives! We also met the governor's Chief of Staff, who is only 33-really young for a COS. I could see myself going back there to work there after I graduate.

Really cool sidenote- we were all named honorary Kentucky Colonels, which means we provide a great public service. it also means if we ever live in Kentucky we can get a special license plate.

In the evening we went to Three Chimneys, one of the grandest horse farms in Kentucky. They have bred many horses. We got to see THE Smarty Jones. Soon Big Brown will be living on this farm as well. Our guest speaker for the night was former Senator Nancy Kasselbaum-Baker.

We had speakers most of the day on Thursday, including John Harwood, MSNBC correspondent and best-selling author, and Cyprus's ambassador to the United States, an eloquent man who spoke to us for nearly two hours.

Friday was our last day. In the evening, we had our final dinner at a horse auction site (I forgot the name, but it's the big money site). We had a taped speech from Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and the mayor of Lexington also spoke. We were each given a beautiful watch along with a certificate of completion.

My week in Kentucky was the best week I have had in a long time. I felt so good the entire time, and I have 50 new friends all across the nation who are smart, kind, and destined to do great things. I am so glad I had the experience to participate in this program. I learned a lot about leadership, and about the power of one person doing the right thing. To quote the reporter of the Lexington herald-Leader who wrote about us, "Henry Clay would have been proud this week."

Charlie Brown