This is a guest post from Haliee Burdette, a Sophomore at Eaglecrest High School in Colorado.

My thoughts before going to the Leadership Training session were mixed. Honestly, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know what we were going to do in depth, or who was going to be there. But I also knew there was probably something exciting waiting in the background for me to discover since it was an ACE sponsored thing. I was anticipating a long day of lectures and PowerPoints, but I was still excited.

During the Leadership Training something started happening. I was having fun! I was enjoying meeting all of these kids just like me from all around Colorado. I got to learn how others were participating in the Us vs. Waste campaign and more. Getting to talk to the kids from Greely Central High School was amazing – I could really learn from them and their hard work. I was excited to meet the climate scientist from Peru and listen to her story, along with learning the struggle the people of Puno were going through.

I was totally geeking out when I heard about the Earth Day project (and I still am!) and everything we’re going to do. I really felt like I was taking this step into doing something amazing with a bunch of other students. The Earth Day event is so inspiring and it sounds like so much fun and excitement.  I kept thinking over and over, “Man, this sounds like a lot of work!” But I knew that if we could all take it one step at a time, that we were gonna make it. I was also thinking about what an impact we could make, and how freaking awesome it would be.

I met new people, learned new things, and got to share my thoughts and ideas with other people. It was so much fun!  I got that feeling of being super inspired and wanted to jump out into the world and do something big – and now I can actually do it!

After the Leadership Training, I was tired from the fun, excitement, but most of all really happy I got to meet the students I did, and got to learn a little more about our climate. I’m super excited to get this Earth Day project rolling. I’ve already begun saving my own plastic bags! I’m also super excited to go to the next Leadership Training – I know it’s going to be a blast.

If you’re interested in attending an ACE Leadership Training, keep an eye out for the next workshop in your area.