Lillian Olson Takes A Trip To Washington, D.C Through Blue Ridge Energy’s Leadership Program.

Lillian Olson stands in front of the Capitol building.“Walking around, going to the Capitol, and going out to eat were the tiny moments that made the trip better,” said Olson. Photo Credits: Lillian Olson.

Competing for $4000 in renewable scholarships, trips to Washington, D.C., and free leadership training are all crucial parts of the Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track. The program has opened the door to exclusive financial aid for numerous high schoolers, something that current sophomore Lillian Olson took advantage of. Through the program, Olson learned how to better her leadership skills, writing abilities, and public speaking. She joined the program as a freshman and will continue to be a part of the program until she graduates.

“The Blue Ridge Leadership is an amazing program where you can learn how to talk to adults, how to write your college essay,” said Olson. “Also, you can even win a trip to DC that's totally paid for.” 

Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Olson was surrounded by nature. Knowing the various environmental impacts of AI that are threatening the very mountains she lives in inspired Olson to write a speech about the negative impacts of AI.

“I wrote my speech against AI because, yes, AI can be helpful in some cases, but a lot of people use it for wrong things,” said Olson. “Along with its negative effects on our environment.”

Olson competed in The Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Speech Competition against one to two students from each of the following counties: Ashe, Caldwell, Alleghany, and Watauga. Olson, along with seven other speakers, presented their arguments either supporting or opposing AI. After the competition, Olson was notified by the judges that she placed well enough to qualify for the trip to D.C. 

“I think it was a no-brainer to go because there are amazing opportunities and lifelong memories to be made,” said Olson. “Plus I made a few amazing friends there.”

After participating in the Blue Ridge Energy Competition held in Ashe, Olson was given the choice to compete in the YLC (Youth Leadership Council) speech competition in Raleigh, NC. The YLC is a national program where delegates represent their states and use the skills they've learned through their own energy program to represent North Carolina's youth cooperatives. This competition brought together approximately twenty participants, allowing Olson the chance to showcase her public speaking and leadership skills to her fellow D.C trip delegates. 

“I wanted to participate in the Youth Leadership Council because I wanted to grow as a leader, meet new people, and learn new skills that I can use in school and in the community,” said Olson. “I thought YLC would allow me to step outside of my comfort zone. Even though I didn't win [the spot], the experience taught me a lot and encouraged me to try out for other leadership opportunities.”  

Olson was still able to visit D.C. due to her placement in the initial Blue Ridge Energy speech competition. In D.C. Olson learned about the American government, rural electrification, along with seeing the best of the city. 

“All of the different states had their own program, and we all went to this conference, and we got to meet a lot of new people,” said Olson. “Overall, it was a really fun and educational experience. There was one part of the trip that really stood out to me, and that was a guest speaker named Mike Schlappi.”

Olson took inspiration from Mike Schlappi, a four-time Paralympic medalist. Schlappi became paralyzed from the waist down due to an accidental gunshot fired by his close friend. He said he eventually found forgiveness, and his motto, ‘if you can't stand up, stand out,’ had a significant impact on Olson. 

“I thought that was very inspirational,” said Olson. “Because even if you feel like life can't get any worse, there is always a way to push past it, and that's how I view a great leader.”

Even though her trip came to an end, her journey with Blue Ridge Energy continues. Olson remains involved with the company's program through specialized training workshops that help to strengthen her interview skills, as well as improve her college essay writing. Additionally, through Blue Ridge Energy's Leadership Program, Olson earns “points” for her involvement in the program.

“You can earn points based on how many activities you participate in,” said Olson. “Those points are then added up, and it determines how much scholarship money you can earn after you graduate high school.” 

Olson had many positive takeaways from the D.C. trip, including making new friends, learning about our government, and building her college resume. However, the greatest thing she gained was a newfound confidence. 

“It's an amazing opportunity and program that you can be a part of throughout your high school years,” said Olson. “All of the people are super nice and supportive, and even if you don't want to go to D.C, which I highly recommend you do, it's a great learning opportunity.”