By Alejandra Wells
I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Governor’s Youth Summit in Kearney, Nebraska, and let me just say, it was a whole new level of growth, goals, and inspiration.
The summit brought together students from across the state for a day focused on leadership, career discovery, and connection. I met so many incredible young people from all corners of Nebraska. We weren’t just talking about the future, we were stepping into it.
From networking with colleges and trade organizations to attending breakout sessions and mock interviews, every activity organized by CareerPathways.com was meant to help us see what’s possible beyond high school. It wasn’t just a day of dreaming. It was a day of doing.
One of the coolest moments? Listening to keynote speaker Matt Rhule, the head football coach at Nebraska. His story was about resilience, staying true to your purpose, and pushing through setbacks. The energy in that room was electric.
But here’s the part that stuck with me most: I wasn’t just surrounded by students, but also business leaders, college reps, and public officials. It reminded me that youth voices belong in rooms where big decisions are being made.
And yes, we even got to see Governor Jim Pillen in action. Watching him interact with young people and take part in the summit showed me how important it is for the government and youth to stay connected.
As someone who leads Hiya with the mission of uplifting youth and promoting mental wellness, I left the summit feeling even more fueled. We need more spaces like this, where young people aren’t just the audience, but the future leaders being seen.
Being in the same room as the Governor, college leaders, and business professionals showed me that youth voices do matter. When we’re invited to the table, we rise.
Learn more about the summit: Governor’s Youth Summit Overview Photo Recap on Facebook
