Boys State/Nation: 'An experience unlike any other'

René Petit wasn’t planning a career in politics, even with his experience in student politics at Hahnville High School in Luling, La.

“Originally, I thought that I wouldn’t want to go into politics because my brother (Jacques) went into politics and I’ve lived in my brother’s shadow my entire life, going to the same school, doing basically the same things. So, for me, politics wasn’t really the thing I wanted to do,” Petit said. “After going to (American Legion) Boys Nation and realizing how much legislation can make a difference on the American people firsthand, and seeing how intense it is to really debate with each other and at the end of the day be friends … I’m considering doing it myself.

“Even at Boys Nation, we went and sat in the U.S. Senate, and I looked down, I was like, ‘I can do that.’ Maybe one day I’ll run for Congress.”

Petit’s potential political career earned a boost when he was nominated during Louisiana Boys State to attend Boys Nation last year and served as Secretary of the Senate. While acknowledging the stress of the position as Secretary, Petit had to record what each senator said during chamber sessions, he emphasized the impact Boys Nation had on him.

“One thing that I really enjoyed about Boys Nation, and something that I learned from it, is that I was able to connect with others outside of my little bubble in my life,” Petit said. “Before, I did camps with people from Louisiana. Now, on a national level, it was really interesting to see how their lives are different from mine, just living in the same country. So I really wasn’t a changed person; however, I wanted to effect change, so at (Louisiana) Boys State I saw a lot of people come out of their shell and be their true self. And at Boys Nation, I saw the same thing with people understanding how to interact with others and really be a great person.”

Despite some differences because of the senators’ different backgrounds, Petit said Boys Nation instilled a sense of brotherhood.

“I explain that (Boys Nation) is the 51st state of the United States, is how we describe it," Petit said. "However, it’s not about the government. It’s about making connections and being one with your fellow brotherhood. We have a saying at Boys State that we sign everything, like an email or anything, with ‘In brotherhood’ and then (your name). So, my advice for anyone going to Boys State is to break down any barriers or prejudices you have against government, against camps in general, because this is an experience unlike any other. You will not feel like an outcast, you will feel as one, and you will leave knowing that it has positively impacted your life."

Petit will head to Louisiana State University after graduation, where he’ll study computer science and minor in economics or e-commerce.

“After that, I want to go to law school to study patent law, or grad school to get my masters in some sort of computer science at University of Texas,” he said. “And then from there, just have fun.”

Louisiana Boys State has a bit of a legacy for Petit’s family. His uncle Scott and brother Jacques both attended, and Petit was sponsored by his grandfather Stanley’s American Legion Post 131.

“Without (my grandfather) I would never have had this amazing experience," Petit said. "And I want to personally thank The American Legion for giving me the opportunity to do such a thing and to really effect change within myself and others. If I wasn’t influenced by this, I wouldn’t understand the power that I can have.

“Being from Louisiana, you don’t think that you can do great things. I tell this a lot to my friends as inspiration for myself and hopefully for others. I shook President Obama’s hand. I basically can do anything now, I guess. If I can be one, and we ran the odds, it’s like 20,000 people to do something, then what’s stopping me from getting that scholarship, what’s stopping me from getting that job, from really being the person to make the difference? So, now, I’m more motivated thanks to The American Legion, to really go and be a go-getter."

The 70th session of American Legion Boys Nation is July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. Two Boys State representatives from each of the 49 states participating in the Legion's premier youth program will be selected to attend Boys Nation.