When I first heard about the American Legion, I was as curious as I was scared. I was expecting tested war veterans who questioned my patriotism. I was optimistic when I arrived at Rider and immediately started talking about my favorite soccer team with a member. I was attending boys state as an educational opportunity into politics and definitely an enjoyable week to start my summer off with. The awkwardness felt around the campus was at a level I have rarely experienced. By the end of the week however, I added 980 more brothers to my family. On paper, my political knowledge increased tenfold throughout the week, but the vastly more important thing taken from the week was my understanding of people and relationships. This was the first time sleeping
