In the minds of high school seniors everywhere, independence, college and our ever-so-important form of 18-year-old destiny awaits us. How would I know? Well, I am one, and I’ve been talking to quite a few.

We are eager and vivacious teens; I warn you not to be fooled by our lackadaisical displays. Most of us periodically worry or have doubts about the current paths we travel. This is presumably a natural experience even when the stress escalates.

There are those among us who agonize over new options and responsibilities to such a vexing degree that the anxiety can cause slight hallucinations. For example, all of the sudden a United States National Guard pamphlet is sitting next to you during English IV. A FAFSA form stares up at you from the puddle of dark rain mixed with cheap oil in the parking lot.

Maybe I am exaggerating just a little. My point is that sometimes everyone is carried away by their uncertainties, especially during this crazy transition period. The key, simply discovered, to escaping all of that mumbo-jumbo is focusing on the reality around us. Concentrating on issues that encompass more than yourself can bring illumination to your current concerns.

This past July, I met 45 diverse, bright high school seniors from across the state at the Dole Institute of Politics. Almost 500 letters are sent to high school principals and counselors asking them to recommend outstanding students to represent their school at the Youth Civic Leadership Institute at Kansas University.

State Rep. Barbara Ballard, who is associate director for outreach at the Dole Institute, ran YCLI with the help of nine counselors and an excellent assistant director, Linsey Moddelmog.

Rep. Ballard told us the first day that because there is basketball camp and band camp, the staff of the Dole Institute could see no reason not have a leadership camp. They launched the first YCLI last summer and count on continuing the program.

All 47 of the YCLI participants lived at Templin residence hall July 11-13 to attend the seminar. The experience offered everyone a foundation for conquering many decisions.

At YCLI, we tossed around matters such as voting in city, state and federal elections. We tackled immigration and the pros and cons of nationwide health care. We learned the difference between debating and appreciating a peer’s take on controversial dilemmas. We brainstormed about a myriad of topics regarding civic responsibility, volunteering and international affairs.

YCLI was free of charge to attendees. Room and board, meals, a trip to the Capitol and some fine knowledge were provided to us for the more than fair price of our time and effort.

I, myself, did not see the institute as much of a summer camp. YCLI was an opportunity to gain wisdom, substance and motivation to better our communities and beyond. The group gave us the chance to make friends and connections with other students who did not think civic responsibility is only for middle-aged activists. We were trusted and treated as adults at the Dole Institute, even when we went cosmic bowling on the first night. Seriously, there was no goofing around. There were not even gutter bumpers involved.