My name is Jessica and I am from the Growing Youth Project in Alameda California. This was my first year here at RIC and I loved it, and it didn’t hurt that it was in North Carolina! Some of the things I enjoyed included making jam, going to the Dillard Academy and planting marigolds, the unexpected water fight and all the people and new friends I have made, The people probably were the best aspect, with everyone being really accepting and friendly. Another thing that I enjoyed was when the youth made our own workshops and showed them to the other youth. I think the workshop we created, “Destress your Mess” was received really well. I went to one workshop about capoeira and I loved it. The last thing I can think of is when we came back from the “pig pickin” and we got into a huge water fight. I was soaked, but it was so much fun. And when we got on the bus, we played all types of fun games and talked about where we were from. I enjoyed how the conference really told the youth to get up and tell the people what you want to happen and what needs to be changed, as in when we protested all through out the streets and yelled our chants in unity. The conference also showed us a group of people who all had success in the organic food business, and with just a little hard work and honest work ethic, you could make it. All in all, I loved the conference and can’t wait to go back next year!

Jessica Lindfors