I think the phrase "changed my life" gets thrown around too much. It takes a lot to turn a life around, something huge. In the past 18 months, my life has made a complete 180. I've gone from a slump to a peak faster than anyone else I know. Here's five moments from my Youth Leadership Team experience and how they changed my life. 

5. Going to Washington, DC. Over my YLT term, I’ve been to our nation’s capital three times. Crazy right? This was such a blessing because on my own, I wouldn’t be able to go out there once, let alone three times. I don’t think I will ever get tired of landing at National Airport.

4. Seeing myself on national television. This would be higher on the list, but it hasn’t happened yet. They sent me a camera, I acted like I normally do, and they made it into ads. These ads are EPIC, not only because me and my pig are in them, but because they’ve been shown on TV shows like American Idol and Glee. I get messages all the time from people saying they saw me on TV, and that makes me feel pretty awesome. So I’m sure when I do see myself on TV, I’ll lose it. BIG TIME.

3. Lobbying congress.I’ve probably made more change in the Capitol than anyone else in my community and I’m not even old enough to vote. I mean, what other 16-year-olds have met all of their members of congress. Did you know that even the trashcans say “House of Representatives?” Neither did I.

2. Meeting my teammates.Standing in a room of 16 other students who are THE BEST student leaders in the United States can be a little intimidating, but we became friends faster than we could say “National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.” I have friends in every corner of the country, and they are all so amazing. I'm so proud to be on the team with them, because I can't think of anyone better.

1. Getting elected.Without this, the other four moments on the list wouldn't have happened. I wanted this so badly. In fact, when I got the call to see if I would accept the position, Stefanie asked, "Would you like to serve on the Youth Leadership Team?" my response was, "I would like nothing more." I know, I'm dorky, but I still feel that way. Submitting that application is the single best decision I have ever made, and I'd encourage you to submit one as well. As a teen, I feel that there are very few causes that we actually lead, but teen pregnancy prevention is definitely one of them. 

Thinking of applying for the Youth Leadership Team? DO IT. There are a lot of people who apply, but if you get selected, it's all worth it. Like I said before, it takes something big to turn a life around, but for me, the YLT was exactly what it took.

Emerson is 15 and from Las Cruces, New Mexico. He is a member of The National Campaign’s Youth Leadership Team. He’s just full of fun facts: he has a twin sister and a pig named Killer. She ran away. The pig, not his sister. Have a question for Emerson? Email us!