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Note: Earlier this year, I wrote about the Iowa Latino Conference that I was participating in for the first time.  More recently, I shared the highlights from the October event.

From participating in most of  Youth Development Summit planning meetings last Spring, Summer and Fall to attending the two-day conference, I realized something was missing that could hugely impact the conference planning in the future: the students.

Reflecting back on my years as a student, there were few times when my opinion and preferences were directly called upon. In retrospect, such an opportunity would have strengthened my investment in such events, and it would have stretched my knowledge and abilities by allowing me to try something new.

To reflect on what were really highlights of the 2011 Iowa Latino Conference (Youth Development Summit), I asked the students.

Here is what they had to say:

I had a great time at the 2011 Latino Youth Leadership Summit. I learned a LOT from Michael Benitez. He taught me how it’s important to remember where you come from. Though we might learn something different living here (USA/Iowa), we must also remember our roots…It’s so true when he said that we may not be a fan of our history classes because we don’t feel we are a part of it, this is exactly how I feel. It was a great experience. (11th grader)

Mike (Benitez) talked about how you can change your life by forgiving people. (12th grader)

I learned that education can get you anywhere; that culture is very important; to listen to others; and to stay in school. (9th grader)

I learned that education is something very important for everyone, especially us Latinos and that we should be responsible. (9th grader)

I learned about Latino culture and where I actually come from. I really enjoyed the trip because it was very informational and interesting. I thought the speaker was very motivational and entertaining. (10th grader)

I really enjoyed the Latino Conference this year. The Aztec dance performed by the Omeyocan Dance Company was amazing and I liked being a part of the energy transfer, like they explained and how they prayed to each direction (i.e. North, South, East & West) with purpose…. As for Michael’s speech there are barely any words to describe the impact he had on me…I will reference his speech throughout my life; it made me question so many things I have done wrong and what I shouldn’t do just because people (i.e. peers) think it’s cool; and not to let any opportunities go by. Additionally, just because I think I can’t or other people say I won’t be able to, doesn’t mean I can’t; it means that I should try a little harder and I’ll be able to accomplish anything. (11th grader).

Planning has already begun for next year’s conference even though buzz from this year is still being heard. Evaluation forms collected student contact information for those who were fired up about helping out next year. This will be the first time that students are directly engaged with conference planning. Without this input from students themselves, issues most pertinent to them and most appealing to their communication-style may be lacking.

What seemed to work so well for this year’s keynote, Mike Benitez, was that although he is in higher education now, he has remembered the struggles he came from when he was [these students’] age. Doctoral candidacy isn’t something youth may relate to, but being 15 and trying to stay out of trouble more likely is. What’s more, his triumph over such troubled times is a great bit of inspiration for all students. An inspiration one chaperone[1] said students will “carry in their hearts and minds…”

Welcoming students at the planning table, I’m certain, will make for an even better conference next year. And, capitalizing on youth excitement about issues pertinent to them is something that can inspire us all.