Faces, Places & Voices Of PVREA: Charlotte Mills

Your local cooperative sponsors Colorado high school juniors and seniors to visit our Nation’s capital and expand their network!

This unforgettable experience provides students with the opportunity to explore Washington DC by visiting historical monuments and museums, meeting state and national legislators, and learning the benefits of electric cooperatives and the co-op business model. Students learn not only about historic Washington DC, but also create memories to last a lifetime!

Meet Our Sponsored Student! Charlotte Mills, Fossil Ridge High School

What Experience Stands Out In Your Mind The Most & Why?

We were given the opportunity to speak with state Rep. Shannon Bird, and I found her insights set the tone for the biggest lessons I learned about cooperation and government over the course of the trip. At one point in response to a question about ensuring our voices were heard, she said, “Everyone wants to have their voices heard, but you also have to listen.” I wrote that down as a reminder to remember to keep an open mind in a political and cultural climate that seems increasingly driven by shouting matches rather than earnest negotiation.

What Was It Like Meeting Legislative Representatives?

The representatives we spoke with were dedicated problem solvers that tied every aspect of their job back to advocating what is best for their constituents, and reaching a compromise with what is best for those in states and districts across the country. I think it is so valuable for young people to hear about government and politics through the lens of public service rather than as a spectacle of opposing, self-serving extremism.

What Did You Learn About Electric Cooperatives?

The cooperatives making up NRECA invest in their communities not as corporate executives arranging a publicity stunt for profit, but rather as community members themselves that are sincerely seeking the betterment of their hometowns. In DC, I was struck by the parallels between this and the idea of “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people” that has driven our nation’s development.

What Was Your Favorite Landmark You Visited?

I would say the Library of Congress. We got to tour the Great Hall and see some amazing artifacts including Thomas Jefferson’s book collection and a complete original copy of The Gutenberg Bible. The building itself is a stunning tribute to learning in all disciplines, paying homage to great discoveries and cultural advancements through intricately painted walls displaying literary quotes, an incredible dome honoring international contributions, and elegant statues depicting mythological figures.

High School Juniors and Seniors! Apply by January 6, 2025 for an opportunity to attend this free trip to Washington, DC! Learn more on our Washington DC Youth Tour page.