The 2014 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow day, was an amazing experience.
To be so up close and personal to the legislative process, was a dream come true. Honored, to be representing the voices of my brothers in sisters
in care, I was awarded the chance to sit in two congressional hearings, share my experience in care with my congressman and witness congress
voting on important and life changing legislation.
The day started out with over 60 young leaders, including myself brainstorming ideas on how to improve the system. We met with leaders from the
Health care, Labor, Education, Housing and more. And to top it all off, we were in the Executive Suites, right next to the White House!
Before shadowing our congressional office, we were warned that members of Congress and their staff walk pretty fast, and they weren't kidding.
The congressman’s, executive assistant, met me in the waiting room and whisked me away to a congressional appropriations meeting, where
Congressman Adam Schiff, was doing his congressional duties. When we arrived, we attempted to find a seat, but had no luck as the room
appeared to be full. There was a young lady in the back who ushered us out, citing the lack of seating as the reason. We waited back in the lobby
for some time and then the Congressman came out, introduced himself and said “come with me.” I walked back into the committee meeting and
successfully secured a seat.
I felt like a BOSS!
I watched as they discussed, HR 4800, which is a bill that aims to make appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration and related aagencies. Having lived in big cities all my life, this wasn't the most interesting debate for me, but I paid close attention,
picking up on little things every now and then.
The congressman was privy to this and after some time passed, he took me outside to share a couple more words, take a picture and then we
parted ways. For being such a busy man, I was surprised by how interested he seemed to be in me and my work.
Before heading to lunch with his aid, I placed an article that I wrote on my experience with medication in care, on the congressman's desk. To my
astonishment, he called me later to acknowledge that he read it and how it made an impact on him.
My experience with my congressman was short, but that wasn't the case for all young leaders who attended the day. Some were able to spend
more time talking and exploring the capital with their congressman. Some were given the chance to represent foster care on MSNBC and some had
so much time, that they were awarded opportunities for internships.
Shadow day was an incredible opportunity for us foster care alum, to experience what it is like running a government, increase awareness of the
problems that plague the system and for us to see what life can be like after foster care, victorious and fulfilling. Thank you, Foster Club, Casey
Family Programs, Congresswoman Bass, her aids and all other organizations and people who helped put this on. Your work is appreciated.