Have you ever wanted to take the entire State Education budget for the 2025-2026 school year and bet it all on green on the roulette table? Well, we, the Texas Boys State senators, made that possible! Texas Boys State takes place on the UT Austin campus and comprises 1,100 of the most well-rounded junior boys in the state. Participating students simulate the Texas State Government through elections and participate in the State Legislature, while also advancing their leadership skills.

Thankful to have been chosen for the 2025 Texas Boys State session, along with Tyler Tran. Before the camp, I wasn’t interested in politics, and even afterward, I wasn’t. This is not a dig at Boys State, but it serves as hope for those who are not interested in Government but still want to attend the camp. While this camp was primarily a Government simulation, it also developed leadership skills. According to the “learn by doing” format that Texas Boys State employs, you hone your public speaking skills, learn how to advocate for yourself, and meet many new people — a key takeaway is that Kingwood is not an accurate representation of the real world. This camp takes you and places you as far away from your comfort zone as possible; this is where the real growth happens.

To attend this camp, there are two steps you must complete: your Junior year. First, obtain a nomination from one of your Junior teachers. Now, don’t go asking for one; you have to earn it. Generally, teachers look for well-performing students who make a positive impact in the classroom and beyond. Obtaining this nomination allows you to compete against fellow students for 1 of 2 slots at Texas Boys State. To secure one of the two coveted spots and advance, students undergo an interview process with a board of teachers. There are about 6-8 students you are competing against at this point, so it’s the home stretch. For the interview, be yourself and present your best self. You made it this far, so someone must have believed in you to make an impact at Texas Boys State; have that same belief in yourself.

Texas Boys State was an exciting experience! Our counselors often reminded us that this was “Our Boys State,” meaning we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted, within reason. For instance, during the election process, our state party whips took the stage oiled up and ripped their shirts off, which was quite the spectacle. In the Senate, we introduced various bills, including the Education Bill mentioned earlier, along with several other amusing proposals. Some notable ones included a bill that would send slow drivers into the sun and the “Let it Die Bill,” which aimed to replace all organic trees in Texas with mechanical ones, similar to those in the Lorax. I will always cherish my time as a senator at this camp, and I’ve built a few lifelong friendships in just one week. I’m incredibly thankful for everything this experience has given me!