The Institute for Emerging Issues educated a select handful this summer on just this topic. Explaining the factors for poor health and below average living experiences of people in their communities, the “Future Leaders” were separated into groups to work toward a solution to better overall health. Taking the initiative, they proposed all of their created solutions. Researching different diseases and how they affect the area around them, the groups made up of diverse students all living in different counties in North Carolina, got to thinking.

How do I know all this, you ask? I was one of the few that got to experience the academic learning program on this health care subject earlier this summer. Representing Wake County, I discovered shocking statistics from my own area, as did everyone else. When split into our groups, we were given a specific disease to learn more about and create our solution. Then we gave a presentation to be judged after.

After all the presentations were given, we received a chance of a lifetime from the Director of The Institute for Emerging Issues, Anita Brown-Graham. She gave us the chance to attend the next annual meeting of The Institute for Emerging Issues in the upcoming year, to have our young opinions brought to the attention of all North Carolina. My generation matters, and our input matters as well.

The two and a half day experience held on North Carolina State University’s campus was great! We explored the college life, as well as the campus. I would have to say that staying in a dormitory on campus gave us that feeling the most! But most importantly of all, we were educated on how to be an advocate and help change our communities. I truly believe that you will see one of the bright faces that attended this program in the near future, changing situations in society for the better.

For more information visit the Institute for Emerging Issues website at www.ncsu.edu/iei/