YLC Delegate Allison Ober Thanks Cooperative for the Year of a Lifetime

This past year, I have experienced the trip-of- a-lifetime and have made memories that will stay with me far beyond that. Having the honor of not only being a Youth Tour delegate but the Arkansas Youth Leadership Council (YLC) delegate as well has been one of the greatest joys of my life. From getting to fly in a plane for the first time to having the opportunity to converse with a Holocaust survivor, this experience has not only been memorable but has also impacted my life for the better. Through Youth Tour, I have been blessed with the opportunity to not only build relationships with peers from every corner of our beautiful natural state but have additionally gotten to build friendships across our nation. History has been a great passion of mine all of my life, and this past year has made it grow more than I could ever imagine.

When I first applied for Youth Tour, I was excited about sightseeing and meeting new people. But it was so much more than that. I didn't just see our nation's history; it felt like I was a part of it and those “new peers,” I now consider as family. This experience has not only given me countless opportunities that would have never been possible without the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas but has also given me the opportunity to demonstrate my favorite leadership motto which is, "service will always be greater than self", through giving back to the community that raised me and the state that I love. Through my YLC service project supporting The Call organization, I was not only able to make a positive impact in my own community of Johnson County, but in Arkansas as a whole. I cannot begin to describe my gratitude and appreciation for every donation given to this project, it has truly made a difference in our natural state that I love dearly. I highly recommend that any student eligible for Youth Tour should apply. It’s so much more than a free vacation. It’s a chance to make an impact, build relationships, grow as a person and leader as well as become fully immersed in our nation’s incredible history. I cannot thank Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative and our statewide organization enough for the support and incredible opportunities I have been granted. I will forever be grateful.

Sincerely, 

Allison