APPLICATION

Open Letter by

Yineli Carreon

Being a part of South Texas Youth Congress has given me greater hope for whatever it is that lies ahead for our region. I am assured that those who remain, and are to come, will work diligently to prove once more that we are all more than just ordinary high school students. It is truly marvelous what can be accomplished when we all come together and build up on each other’s views and ideas. Which is why, I advise all future representatives to be respectful of one another and really grow to understand the circumstances that surround them, as they set on what will probably become one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of their high school years.

STYC has been without a doubt an immense and profound blessing in my life because I was given the opportunity to work alongside some of the most intelligent and creative minds in South Texas.

It was with STYC that friendships and connections were established amongst one another that I’m sure will last throughout the years. In addition, all the work that was done gave me a huge sense of pride because I knew that we were all working towards real and meaningful change. We all meant business in every meeting and when conversing with politicians and officials in our communities. Preparation and knowledge gave us the confidence to affront issues and discuss our plans with others. Even more satisfying is knowing that I was part of the first group to lay the groundwork for all the other representatives to come.

Everything about STYC helps to create stronger characters and leaders in South Texas. Although it may seem that we are very similar on the surface, it is the differences of one another that make for the best ideas and solutions for our communities. I believe that this is only a very small start and scene for the organization, as it has yet to see the bigger glory it has in the works.

Sincerely,

Yineli Carreon
South Texas Youth Congress President

November 2014-2015

2021

Master of Public Health

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Texas A&M — College Station.

On the first Saturday of February 2014 in a small room at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi I was there among a small a group of students whose minds were alive with ideas, lifted by the hope for change.

Armando sat and watched us from the side of the room, encouraging the chaotic excitement in the air (while also taking those horribly candid photos he has always been so keen of posting online).

Ideas were bouncing left and right across the room. We all wanted to save the world on this one day, but we decided to be modest and first try to save South Texas.

Of the issues presented, education stood out as our priority. We recognized that technology and education go hand-in-hand, and with improved education, comes more opportunities.

There were times when we would question our ideas ever becoming a reality or ever taken seriously. We considered giving up on fiber optic technology and taking on an easier project. Thankfully, Armando was always there to encourage us on and not let our work go to waste. Seeing how far you have all taken our possibilities at fiber-optic technology is truly enlightening and inspiring.

I know everyone from this first session has gone off to accomplish and pursue great things, and the same can be said for all those who follow. This is because being part of STYC means you are more than a member, it means you are courageous and daring. This is in you and will continue to shape the way you carry out the rest of your lives. Take everything you learned here, and apply it in all you do. Others will recognize these qualities in you and respect you for it.

Now on this June day, and four years later, many meeting rooms have witnessed many discussions leading up to this day. However, STYC members have been in places other than meeting rooms.

We visited our state’s capitol, not as tourists, but as lobbyists. We have visited with local representatives. We have sat down to discuss change with our school administration. But most importantly, our voices have traveled outside enclosed rooms.

We are the living representation of our communities. We are the voices for our friends, family, and other members of our community. We are the voices of South Texas. We are the future of South Texas.

Thank you,

Yineli Carreon

May 2018