We’ve collected advice
from students that went on Youth Tour the last few years. Check out their words
of wisdom! You’ll notice a theme: it’s an awesome trip, enjoy every minute;
wear comfortable shoes; don’t worry about sleep – sleep when you get home!
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Take time to enjoy
every second of this awesome trip, it’s a trip of a lifetime! Don’t be afraid
to talk to everyone on this trip I guarantee they are all cool (they are from
Iowa how could they not be?), and last but not least bring a small
purse/satchel because you will be taking it on and off at almost every building
you go in!
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Although it's awkward
the first day, don't be shy! Step out of your comfort zone and get to know
everyone!
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Be on time...
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You might have the
cutest new pair of shoes, but don't wear them! Wear the most comfortable shoes
you have because you will be doing a lot of walking!
·
Dive in and get
involved! Everyone is just as nervous as you. Also don't shy away from further
opportunities offered due to this incredible experience YOU earned
·
Bring a camera, and
interact with people from other states! Get to know your roomie, because
they're pretty awesome also. Never miss an opportunity to see something
new, because when you get back you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't go.
·
When you get the
schedule you will think, "I have to get up at what time?" but
sacrificing a few hours of sleep is completely worth it. Besides, you can sleep
when you get home!
·
Be social! The friends
you make on this trip are the best! :)
·
Pictures, pictures
pictures! You'll never forget the trip and memories. Socialize with everyone!
Have fun!
·
Take as many pictures
as possible!! Make as many friends as possible! Learn about your fellow Youth Tourers from Iowa and other states some will be your lifelong friends! And stop
worrying this will be the best trip ever!
·
Don't be stressed out
that you won't know where to go or what time to be there. This is a very well
organized trip and you always have a schedule, a great group leader and
chaperones, and of course your group of new friends that you can ask questions.
Also, don't forget to pack the little things like sun screen, sunglasses,
Chapstick, …
·
Be somewhat familiar
with the Smithsonians. That way you can be sure to make it to your favorite!
·
Get comfortable being
uncomfortable, Ask people from other states questions, learn how to run off
adrenaline
·
Bring good shoes; you
will want them for the long days walking!! Be social & make the best of
every minute! You will make friends for life :)
·
This is experience is
going to be one of the greatest in your life. Embrace every moment of it and
take the time to get to know everyone you meet on a personal level. You'll meet
some of the best friends you'll ever have in life and will see some of the
coolest things.
·
You are going to love
the experience. As tiring as it gets just keep up the effort and take advantage
of every opportunity that you can get. If you play your cards right this event
could be a strong kick start to your future career, either inside or outside of
the cooperatives.
·
Don't worry about
sleep and make as many friends as you can! You can sleep on your way home;
you'll be having too much fun
·
Take time to talk to
everyone in your group! They are all great and you will probably have something
in common with each of them (beyond the sharing the same state thing).
·
Arrive well rested.
·
Make as many friends
as you can and don't be nervous! Enjoy every moment of it because it goes by
fast.
·
And like everyone
said, be open minded, meet as many people as possible, and enjoy all the little
things :)
·
Take a moment at each
place and truly absorb what it represents. There is a lot to see and pictures
to take but make a memory of each monument or historic place. Also write down
your thoughts.
·
Enjoy every minute of
it because this is one of those important once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. If
you're not a social type, now is the perfect time to get out there and make
some new friends. If you are a social butterfly, you should be in your element.
The people you meet here are the kind of people you want to keep in touch with
because they are going places
·
Take note of this rich
advice: the Alaska rep never brings enough pins...so find him/her before they
start doing crazy stuff like selling them or trading 3 for 1.
·
Take lots of pictures.
Don't be shy to ask someone to take your picture for you. Be nice, polite,
outgoing and friendly. INCLUDE EVERYONE!!!! NO CLICKS!!!! Be yourself. Have
fun. Fill your head with knowledge. Remember names. Absorb everything our
nation’s capital has to offer. Ask questions at Capitol Hill. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!
Spend money wisely.
·
Enjoy every experience
because you never know when you will be able to go back to DC and meet so many
new people. Also the Youth Tour Staff is some really cool people!
·
Get plenty of sleep,
be nice to your roommates, get to know everyone you meet, and make the most out
of every amazing opportunity you get!
·
Coordinate shower
schedules in your room.
·
Find a friend who
looks at things in museums at the same pace you do. If you take time to look at
EVERYTHING, find a friend who also takes time to look at EVERYTHING.
·
Wear a watch that
doesn't beep.
·
Participate in every
activity. You won't regret it.
·
Figure out what stuff
you need to put in bins for metal detectors. Save yourself time, pack according
to the security.
·
Don't be afraid to meet
people from the other states, it is great to compare accents and find common
ground. Spend your time wisely especially at the Smithsonian. Decide ahead of
time which museum you are most interested in seeing. Never go anywhere alone.
Enjoy our nation’s capital and all the wonderful treasures you'll see and take
lots of pictures to share back home and to look back on in the future.
·
Don't underestimate
the friendships you'll make, even if somebody lives far away. Two of my closest
friends from YLC live half way across the country and we've stayed close.
·
To add to the comment
above, I totally agree don't underestimate the friendships you make because I
met a friend of mine who lives 5 minutes from my house and I had no idea, and
we became great friends on the Youth Tour, and now we are going to room
together at Morningside College and be teammates. It’s just so cool how the
Youth tour brings people so close together. I still keep in close contact with
all my Youth Tour buds and I'd recommend making lifelong friendships on this
tour.
·
Take as much in as you
can. The experience is absolutely amazing. Meet others from across the country,
because it is so interesting learning about different parts of the country.
Lastly, take tons of pictures, because you will cherish them forever. My
experience on Youth Tour and the YLC was nothing short of amazing.