Two Franklin High School students who are aspiring lawyers recently had the opportunity to attend the Youth Legislative Assembly in Raleigh.
Bethany Daniel served on the judiciary committee and Callie Barnett served on the general government committee. During the event, held April 8-10, the two juniors debated 10 proposed bills.
Barnett attended last year when the event was scaled down to one day due to COVID restrictions. When it came time to apply this year, she posted some information about her experience, and it encouraged Daniel to apply.
“I thought it would be interesting to learn how laws are made,” said Daniel, whose grandmother bought her a gavel after she said at age five she wanted to be a lawyer. In addition to her FHS courses, she is currently enrolled in criminal justice classes at Southwestern Community College.
Barnett said the conference has given her good insight into her future profession. “I want to be a lawyer,” she said. “I want to learn about politics, public service and how laws are made.”
When asked about her career choice, Barnett said, “I have always liked to argue ever since I was born,” she said. “I see the best version of myself being a lawyer and helping the community.
YLA Conference
During the YLA conference, students draft, debate and vote on mock legislative bills while developing research, interviewing, group facilitation and policy writing skills. As bills are debated, students get a chance to practice communicating their ideas, opinions and experiences in a team-building environment.
Barnett was on a committee that debated if profits from ABC stores should be used to help fund crises centers. “The crises centers are underfunded, and I think the profits would be well-used in that area.” The bill passed and the committee is seeking sponsorship by a senator or representative to be brought to the N.C. General Assembly.
Daniel said her committee had the most controversial bill debated during the conference – should displays of the Ten Commandments be installed in judicial buildings around the state. She said the committee could not come to an agreement on the bill because of vague wording and issues such as how it would be paid for and the balance of nonsecular displays. “I didn’t think it would be constitutional the way it was written.” The bill did not pass.
It was a busy two days, but both said it was a rewarding experience. “We hit the ground running from the time we got there to the time we left,” said Daniel. “It was definitely worth it.”
She said she was nervous about public speaking and did not plan to talk much but found herself on the platform debating bills along with the other students. “That was something,” she said. “It helped me improve my communication skills.”
Both students said they also enjoyed the opportunity to meet other students and being exposed to other ideas. “It was refreshing to talk to people about different beliefs in a very calm, civil manner,” Daniel said. “The diversity in that conference was amazing.”
Barnett said it was a good networking opportunity with people who may be the state’s future representatives. She also appreciated that people respected each other’s opinions. “People didn’t shoot down your ideas,” she said.
Both plan to attend the session again next year, and Daniel is applying to be a co-leader of the judiciary committee, which will require monthly meetings as they prepare for the next session. She will also get to help set what bills go up for debate.
Barnett said she would encourage other students to apply. “It helps improve your public speaking skills, social skills and prepares you for what is in the real world.”
Daniel agreed. “Don’t be scared. If you are passionate about something, go for it.”
To learn more about the Youth Legislative Assembly, visit ncleg.gov/YLA.