During the summer of my junior year, I had the privilege of participating in the inaugural Illinois Girls Lead program, an initiative launched by Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton. I was part of a class of students selected from hundreds of girls across Illinois. Designed to cultivate leadership among a diverse group of young women, the program aims to prepare future leaders to confront challenges in fields still dominated by white male leadership—particularly in political spaces. 

As a first-generation Filipina, this was my chance to discover how I could create meaningful and lasting change in my community. I had never been deeply involved in civic engagement, but I figured this was the perfect opportunity to give it a shot. After all, high school has been a time for me to develop my voice and solidify my role as a leader. Having grown up shy and reserved, I wanted to see how much I had evolved—and this program gave me that space.

I had the opportunity to shadow local Senator Ann Gillespie in the office, and it was a delightful experience. I remember asking her a million questions upon our first meeting while scribbling each response down into a small blue notebook that one of my best friends had gifted me specifically for this experience. 

I gained insight into a world I had never encountered before. In the senator’s office, I witnessed the importance of teamwork and saw colleagues working seamlessly together. I attended meetings with leaders from Moms Demand Action, sat down with members of Congress from across the nation, and spoke with District 214’s newest superintendent. I found myself surrounded by people who were not only passionate but committed to improving their communities—people with ideas and insights I had never considered.

At the heart of everything I experienced over that summer was one idea: change.

If you walk into Room E116 at Rolling Meadows High School, you’ll spot a blue ceiling tile that reads, “Make your mark – Mika.” That message captures my mindset throughout high school and everything I’ve done along the way. My goal has always been to leave my mark on the world. As idealistic as it might sound, I truly believe that everyone has the power to make a difference.

It doesn’t matter where you start. Whether you’re a senior joining your first club or a junior on your fourth internship, you’re making your mark.

For students thinking about internships or leadership programs, don’t be afraid to explore. Reach out to your school’s career discovery center—one conversation or internet search can open doors you didn’t know existed.

Above all, trust your instincts. Believe in the decisions you make. Keep striving to be the change you want to see. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: The power to create change isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s within all of us, waiting to be unleashed.