As we dive into the new year, let me share what the Center for Cultural Perspectives is working on. During the Martin Luther King Jr. long weekend, Lancers students Peter Ly and Tade Petrosyan, both from the Class of 2027, debuted at the esteemed 2024 Harvard Model Congress Conference in San Francisco. Recognized as the nation's oldest government simulation conference, Harvard Model Congress (HMC) stands as the pinnacle of congressional simulations for high school students. The San Francisco-based Conference allows participating students to work directly with Harvard delegates on critical skills such as speech debate, authoring, and passing legislation on relevant topics.

Mr. Ly served as the Secretary of Homeland Security, while Mr. Petrosyan was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Their responsibilities involved collaborative efforts with fellow Cabinet members to address urgent issues, discuss challenges and solutions, and provide strategic advice to the President. Additionally, both students benefited from networking opportunities with peers from different High schools and engaged in personal conversations with Harvard delegates.

Reflecting on his experience, Tade shares, “At the San Francisco Harvard Model Congress, I learned how to voice my opinion, deconstruct others', and explain my ideas in ways that allow for collaboration. The conference helped me understand the different views of complex modern topics and write bills for the betterment of a simulated America. This experience has given me a lot to think about and many new interests to explore.”

Peter also told us, “My most rewarding recent academic experience occurred from January 12th to January 14th. On these days, I worked with high school students from throughout the United States in San Francisco in one meeting room, collaborating to pass bills in the Presidential Cabinet. A few months before, I had no idea about the Harvard Model Congress, an academic program that stands as one of the best civic engagement conferences. By joining, I learned from many perspectives as we all worked together to create bills that would solve the immigration issue despite the different opinions we shared. After spending two months on my research, I was ready for this rare opportunity. With the help of twenty-four other delegates, we passed multiple bills crucial in improving the United States’ immigration crisis. This was a feel-good experience. Not only was I able to go to San Francisco as a reward for the hours of research spent at Harvard Model Congress, but I was ready to communicate and collaborate with students from other states/regions.”

So, what lies ahead? The Lancers welcome exchange students from Taiwan, Argentina, Korea, France, and Spain. During the upcoming Spring Break, we are returning to France on our first outbound exchange in 2024. But wait, there's more! PCC dual-enrollment courses, Summer exchange travels, Study Abroad… The adventure never ends.

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By: Jialin "Sunny" Sun