WSU hosts “Revolution of Responsibility” teen conference

Berkley Geary has a plan. At 13, the Klickitat eighth grader wants to go in the military, earn a Master’s degree and head overseas to help wounded soldiers. Being a part of the WSU Teen Conference Revolution of Responsibility seemed like the perfect opportunity to help figure out her options.

“The conference showed me different perspectives and opened my eyes to possibilities for my future,” said Geary who sampled seminars in nursing, military youth and families, story boarding and hip hop hustle.

Over 400 teens statewide took part in the conference on the WSU Pullman campus. Started in 1927, the three-day event acts as a catalyst for youth to discover what life holds after high school. Over 60 workshops featured WSU educators, industry leaders and career advisors who presented educational options and different life skills for decision-making.

Mitchel Daulk, 17, a second year teen conference attendee, appreciated the leadership skills he learned from the seminars.

“I’m kind of shy so last year teen conference got me out of my comfort zone by meeting new people and learning communication techniques,” said the Cathlamet senior who credits his teen conference experience to running for office and being elected vice president of his high school.

During the conference students become familiar with college life by living in dorms, meeting in university classrooms and seeing sights on the WSU campus. Workshops include forensic science, film and animation, robotics, agronomy, resume writing, paying for college, fitness and whole brain thinking styles.

Taking personal responsibility was key this year as teens took part in a natural disaster readiness simulation to prepare for a situation that could impact their communities. Youth developed personal disaster readiness plans and kits in case of an emergency.

“The teens know how to be responsible for themselves and others if something unexpected happens,” said Jan Klein, WSU Extension 4-H Adolescent Specialist. “Their knowledge, along with their resources and determination, will serve them well as community leaders now and in the future.”