Having the opportunity to participate in the first National Civics Bee competition was a truly transformative experience. Going into the competition, I was uncertain about my interest and knowledge in civics and government. While I had vaguely explored civics as a topic in social studies courses, I had no understanding of its significance. Nonetheless, through the research I conducted on Armadillo Lane Dividers for my essay, I found myself inspired by the ways in which citizens can directly address issues and improvements in local communities. The process of preparing for possible questions further allowed me to realize the importance of being an informed and educated citizen.
Now, four years later, my interest in government and politics has only grown stronger. The National Civics Bee opened my eyes to the value of service, education, and community involvement. I strongly believe that the National Civics Bee is a competition designed to benefit the youth of our society, paving the way for a generation of leaders motivated in creating positive change. Regardless of previous experience in civics or government, participation in this competition is a turning point, one that will provide an entirely new perspective on our world today.
Written by: Kaitlyn Thangaraj, 2021 Local Competition Winner