2023 USSYP Yearbook - Flipbook - Page 22
Republican Perspective Lunch with
Senator John Thune of South Dakota
and USSYP Alum on the Hill Rachel Skaar (USSYP – MT 2014)
S
enator John Thune of South Dakota, the Senate’s assistant minority leader in his role as
Republican Whip, jumped into discussion with the delegates with enthusiasm. “I am a believer
that we need young people who not only have attributes that are necessary to do well in public
life, but also the desire and sense of duty and responsibility. We must have people who are willing to roll
up their sleeves, do the work and try to make this country stronger for future generations.” Regarding
polarization, the senior Senator from the Mount Rushmore state urged delegates to maintain their
principles as guardrails but to “search for common ground within those boundaries. You’ve got to be a
good listener,” he advised. “You must diversify your sources of information to understand another side’s
perspective, whether you agree or not, to find compromise.” The 2023 Alumni on the Hill speaker Rachel
Skaar (USSYP MT – 2014), press secretary to Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, spoke from the
heart about overcoming “imposter syndrome” during Washington Week, in college and during her early
career. She urged delegates to build needed confidence: “Each and every one of you have something
so unique and valuable to bring to the table,” she assured, with a wide smile, an evident example of the
power of positive thinking, talent and hard work.
(TOP) Senator Thune with South Dakota delegates
Dustin Hermansen and Maxwell Lightfield
(ABOVE) USSYP Alum on the Hill Rachel Skaar with
Montana delegates Lily Miller and Alec Wells
20 | UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM 2023
