By Sara Ballenger

Los Altos High School student Ali Burger wasn’t interested in politics. That was before she spent 11 days at the National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., earlier this month.

“I didn’t know that much about politics when I started. I think it’s the best way to learn about our government,” Burger said of the program. “It’s absolutely the most fascinating thing (the government), which I didn’t think so before.”

Burger heard about the program from her friend, Adriana Ameri, who participated last year while on Christmas break from Los Altos High. Ameri recommended Burger’s acceptance, which costs $1,745 for lodging, transportation and most meals.

“We stayed at the 4-H center in Maryland,” Burger said. “We did a lot of things outside of the 4-H center. When we would have panel discussions we would go to the Press Club.”

Along with getting the opportunity to see the highlights of the capital and gain access to areas like the National Press Club, students had the opportunity to meet with staffers of the congressional and representative offices of their own districts.

“Dianne Feinstein had a whole panel of people to speak to us,” Berger said, of Feinstein’s staff. “Representatives and Congress people are so devoted to it. I thought it was amazing that they have their views and they are so set on them.”

Burger was unable to meet with the elected officials themselves because they were in recess at the time. She was, however, able to put herself in their shoes through participating in three learning simulations. Each student would role-play as a member of one of the houses. Each simulation dealt with a different branch of government. One discussed the Good News Club vs. Milford School Supreme Court case, another simulated a United Nations peace conference and a third simulated an executive cabinet meeting dealing with a foreign policy issue.

“Ali was an active participant in all the simulations,” said Monica Chrzaszcz, a faculty advisor for the program. “She really got into her roles and took them seriously.”

Burger’s favorite role was that of the assistant for legislative affairs, where she helped solve a mock conflict with the country of Sierra Leone, which requested foreign aid.

“We needed to help them, but we need to think of our country, too,” Berger said.

At the end of the three simulations, all 350 students participated in a larger mock session, called a model congress.

“We had preparation for it almost every day,” Burger said.

“I was the assistant chair of the constitution committee,” she said of her role. “We held a hearing on election reform, education in schools and gun control. It was like a real Congress session.”

It seems this type of experiential learning really suits Burger.

“For Ali to be in the midst of it, and experiencing it - I think it’s one of the most wonderful ways to learn about something,” said her mother, Nancy. “I think she has a better appreciation for the diversity within our country.”

Not only was this a learning experience for Burger, but also one of personal growth.

“She learned she can do something by herself, grow and enjoy it as well,” Nancy said.

“She has reaffirmed for her some things she knew. She is comfortable with her sense of self and her values.”

The program has made Burger rethink her plans for college, since her interest in law is renewed.

“I know I want to stay in California, but I am looking at American and George Washington universities,” Burger said. “I am interested in becoming a lawyer or possibly being on the Supreme Court later in life. That was a really good way to get a taste for what it’s like.”

For more information about the National Youth Leadership Conference, logon to www.cylc.org.