Chelsea Osei and the U.S. Senate Youth Program

The wind and cold weather did not keep senior Chelsea Osei and I from discussing perhaps her biggest accomplishment yet: An Illinois representative for the 62th Annual U.S. Senate Youth Program. The award is definitely something to gloat about; only 104 students across the country (two students per state, plus 2 from Washington D.C.) are selected to go to Washington D.C. where they “meet with government officials and learn more about policies”.

Osei found out about this opportunity during her freshman year of high school while doing research.

“I was at home with COVID, and I really realized that I wanted to partake in policy and political science. I googled some programs and found this one.”

The process to receive this prestigious award was strenuous. Those who applied were often left wondering if you were going to make it as a semi-finalist or a finalist.

“My first part of application— which was an essay— started in September. I then found out that I was a semi-finalist in November, where I had a three hour interview. Then I was chosen in December.”

Osei mentioned that the most nerve wracking part was the three hour interview, but “the eleven other panelists just speaking out their experiences are definitely accomplished, and I was so in awe of all the other finalists.”

Osei gave a shoutout to her other Illinois Delegate, Anoushka.

“She has done so much in her community,” Osei explained. “I am really happy to be working alongside her.”

Once Osei arrives in Washington D.C. , she and the other panelists go to multiple historical sites such as the U.S. Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the Pentagon while meeting with the government officials. They even get the chance to meet with the Assistant Supreme Court Judge.

Osei harped on her chance to see the Supreme Court.

“That is one of my dreams. I have recently gotten interested in a lot of the decisions in America recently pertaining towards the Supreme Court.”

“This was a collaborative effort,” Osei said. “This was not just me who applied and then I went in and got accepted. This has been communities, organizations, and people pushing me to do my best.” She smiled as she said, “This is as much their award as it is mine.”