Madeleine Thezan

Region: Mid Hudson
Program Institution: SUNY at New Paltz

Education

High School: In Dutchess County
Graduation Date: 2019

Significant Professional or Academic Accomplishments: My name is Madeleine Thezan; I have been a participant at SUNY New Paltz STEP since the 6th grade. On Friday, November 03, 2017, Ms. Lenore Schulte from the STEP Saturday Academy at SUNY New Paltz emailed me this wonderful opportunity PR/HYLI to see if it would be of interest to me.

I was a bit apprehensive at first because of my current workload for school. However, when I read the program description and application, I became instantly interested and began the application process for 2017-2018 to The Hudson Valley RBE-RN in the 27th Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI).
I am a high school junior in Dutchess County and I have not had this kind of opportunity yet. I must admit that I have never been more proud to be a young Hispanic woman in America. Before PRHYLI, I had no idea that there was even a chance I could participate in government on the level that I can and did as an individual and as a group. The fact that I have had the opportunity to attend and participate in a program that would allow me to become one with fellow Hispanics of all age groups, educational and career levels and cultural backgrounds move to change the world through positive engagement, conversations, and public speaking in government was an amazing educational experience for me. The four sessions leading up to the weekend conference in Albany was not like anything out of a textbook. The issues that we debated were current topics and concerns that are affecting our daily lives in one way or another.

My experience at this year PRHYLI was nothing less than life changing. It gave me the opportunity to be independent while finding my voice through the arts and education. I recommend this program to anyone who is willing and is passionate to learn how to truly make positive change in this beautiful world we live in.