With the end of 2022, comes the end of my Oregon Kid Governor term. It’s bittersweet for so many reasons. This last year was filled with new experiences, opportunities, personal growth and so much good. I started my term with a platform and some big ideas on how I would change the future for animals. I had no idea what a big undertaking it was until I set out to accomplish my three point plan. Parts of my plan were incredibly fun and relatively easy to do, such as the animal supply drive. I had the best time leading my school in collecting items for my local humane society and encouraging other schools to do the same with a step by step instructional video I made. I also will never forget some of the time I was able to spend at the state and local Humane society and what I learned from being there. Other parts of my plan were more difficult to complete, such as getting a shelter, rescue or humane society to implement my program called Lend a P.A.W. Above that, trying to get background checks a mandatory requirement to buy or adopt an animal was literally above my “pay grade” and will take much more time beyond my term to accomplish. Changing legislation isn’t as easy as a quick rule change and I am aware of that now.
So while I didn’t fully accomplish all that I set out to do, I’m not going to let my term ending be the end of my desire to make change. Kid governor or not, I know I can make my voice heard. And that’s what I want to leave you all with….you don’t need a fancy title or position to make a change or be a voice. It takes one person doing something small to make an impact. And when others see the good you are doing and they join in, it can make a huge difference.
Thank you to every person for supporting me and my platform. For encouraging me and helping me though this experience. And it truly wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my mom and dad or my state coordinator, Nikki. Thank you to my cabinet for partnering with me while also working on accomplishing your own platforms. You should all be so proud of yourselves and the impact you have made within your communities.
Before I sign off as Oregon’s 2022 Kid Governor I’d like to congratulate Oregon’s 2023 Kid Governor, Lea Andrus! I am excited to meet you and watch your journey this next year!
Love,
Emerie 😁