Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) Summit in Washington, DC. It was an incredible experience start to finish and at points even surreal!
It was a regular weekday when I was asked by the FUTP 60 team to attend and speak at the PHA Summit. The combination of my favorite words: DC, PHA Summit, and speech, had me ecstatic. I spent the following weeks preparing and preparing and counting down the days until the event.
I arrived in Washington DC on an early Friday morning and was so excited to attend the PHA Summit but most of all…to see the First Lady Michelle Obama!!!
The PHA Summit was an incredible experience because it’s always so inspiring to be around people who share the same passions as you. I met with executives, physical education teachers, and health bloggers. It was such a diverse crowd with so much to offer.
The Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, spoke about his role and the importance of diversity in health and wellness and it amazed me to gain that new perspective. I was introduced to colorful new ideas and loved every second of it.
The First Lady spoke about the success of the Lets Move! Active Schools campaign and acknowledged how we as a team of students, educators, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents, and everyone in between have overcome unimaginable hurdles and have surpassed the standards of excellence. It was truly inspiring and it really reminded me how much the FUTP 60 program means to me. Her words encouraged me to reflect on my own personal journey. And no, I didn’t get a selfie.
I’m not gonna lie, First Lady Michelle Obama was a tough act to follow! When I took the stage to talk about my own experience with FUTP 60 and present the LMAS Partner of the Year Award, I felt the rush of excitement and nervous energy. But I looked out into the crowd to see people who supported me like my mom who always remedies my fears, and Katie who many of us know and can’t live without (read: Summit mom) and thought about fellow trailblazers who like you and me are spearheading a movement.
It was a great moment to share with such incredibly inspiring people and I wished to share that moment with all of you.
Saira
Youth Council Leader
New Jersey
11th Grade
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