From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, sophomore Wyatt McDonald, the Regional Representative for Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA), traveled by himself to Washington D.C. McDonald was invited to a National Leadership Forum as one of the nine CADCA representatives in the entire nation.
“CADCA’s National Leadership Forum was an opportunity to learn about the multitude of ways communities can fight substance and drug abuse, along with myself presenting at the Coalition Ideas Fair,” said McDonald.
Even as an underclassman in high school, McDonald has found his passion and is making sure his voice is heard. Since the legalization of recreational marijuana, McDonald has been increasingly concerned by the effects of marijuana that is illegally acquired by teenagers.
“I wasn’t there to fight against adult use of marijuana after it was legalized in 2022. However, after seeing countless children and youth getting access to marijuana, I found it increasingly important that I used my voice and made a proclamation to individuals who have such a huge say in the future of the state of Missouri,” explained McDonald. “I wanted to further understand the potential of what I could do in our own community, as well as be given critical feedback on my proposed solutions.”
McDonald credits several people with inspiring and pushing him from a small town in Missouri to the nation’s Capital.
“I have multiple role models that really have led me to where I am. Whether it be Jamie Rowland who got me to join this powerful organization in eighth grade to Rebecca Bolen, my current advisor who continues to show love and support every step of my journey. I know without their guidance and knowledge I would never have had these impactful experiences,” said McDonald.
As interesting as it was to see politicians at work, one of his favorite parts of his Washington D.C. experience was getting to know the other eight representatives from around the country.
“Although I found the Forum very insightful, I think my favorite part of this experience was having the opportunity to, in the span of a week, become family with a group of strangers from across the country who I stay in contact with on a daily basis to this day,” reflected McDonald.
The event that eventually led to this trip was McDonald’s appointment as a representative for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It was that position that brought him to CADCA’s National Leadership Forum.
“Around the end of December, I was appointed SAMHSA Region 7 Representative, in which I would represent HOSA for the states of Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Arkansas for the organization CADCA,” said McDonald.
His experience reinforced his stance on the issue of marijuana use with minors, as well as showed him new opportunities to spread awareness.
“This event was meaningful because it really opened my eyes to the massive crisis in America with substance abuse. Seeing the amount of students working together to implement strategic prevention was just so amazing to witness,” said McDonald.
He also gained confidence in his work from the examples set by his fellow CADCA representatives.
“From this experience I learned to not be afraid to speak out for what I believe, I knew discussing the legalization of marijuana would be very controversial, but having the opportunity to speak with individuals for and against it really showed me how we can work together to create a middle ground,” said McDonald.
To spread ideas and opinions even as a high school student, McDonald has learned a seemingly counterintuitive approach.
“It sounds opposite of what you would expect but I think you have to accept to learn to let go of not being liked,” said McDonald. “It’s important you know that not everyone will agree with you, but if you have a passion and determination for your subject, there are individuals out there who agree with you and together you can make change.”
