An Interview with Brady Dessner: PEC's Youth Tour Representative

Each year, People’s Energy Cooperative sponsors an area student to represent the Cooperative at the NRECA Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Brady Dessner of Dover was selected to take part in this year’s tour, held June 14-21.

We asked Brady some questions about his experience and here's what he had to say.

Q: What were some of the highlights of the Youth Tour?
A: I really enjoyed seeing Capitol Hill – getting a tour and especially getting to watch the Senate in session. Another highlight would be the Marine Corps Museum. I had a particular interest because I have several family members who have served, and are currently serving, in our nation’s military and I am enlisted in the Marine Corps. Arlington National Cemetery was a huge highlight (especially the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier); it was a great reminder to everyone there that freedom isn’t free and I think everyone appreciated the sacrifice of those men and women. The Segway tour in the evening was also a highlight.

Q: What types of interactions did you have with elected officials?
A: At the Capitol we were able to meet with staffers of our district, Congressmen, as well as our two state Senators in a small meeting room where we were able to ask them questions. We also got to watch the Senate for a short time.

Q: How did the Youth Tour change your perspective about the value of rural electric cooperatives like People’s Energy Cooperative?
A: My perspective was changed in learning just how much electric cooperatives work as a team. I also saw with our elected officials that rural electrification is a priority no matter their political affiliation.

Q: What will you take away from this experience?
A: Something I will take away from this experience is seeing the building blocks of our great nation. We learned about it in school, but seeing it physically was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have always been a very patriotic person, and this experience reminded me constantly of what makes America great.