This summer I was honored to

represent our community as a page in the 107th Congress of the United

States. The 200-yeard-old House Page Program is staffed by 16- and 17-year-olds

from across our country. Their representatives and the Speaker of the

House select pages.

Thanks to our representative,

Mac Collins of the Third District, I was given a unique opportunity to

see our government at work up close with history all around me. Working

on the House floor, I was very impressed by the two larger-than-life portraits

looking down on the Chamber. On the left is the instantly recognizable

portrait of General Washington, and on the right the portrait of General

Lafayette, for whom our community is named.

As a page it was my job, among

others, to deliver mail throughout the Capitol complex and to assist members

with their requests on the House floor. The experience and interaction

with our leaders, however brief, provided me with insights and motivation

that will last a lifetime.

I was able to meet many members

of Congress in addition to Rep. Collins, including both our our senators,

Max Cleland and Zell Miller. My impression of our Georgia representatives

was one of pride. They are hard-working, dedicated leaders doing their

very best to represent us on many important issues.

Although I did not see President

Bush, I did see Vice President Cheney on a few occasions. Once was at

a rare joint session of Congress where the prime minister of Australia

spoke. Prime Minister Moorston spoke on the friendship of our country,

saying, "Americans have no better friend in the world than Australia."

The friendly prime minister shook my hand on his way out of the House

chamber.

What I learned most from my

experience is the importance of voting for the leaders we want to represent

us. Every day Congress is in session, members vote on a wide range of

issues that affect the way we live. This election year is especially important

because both the House and the Senate are separated by a very small margin

between parties just six seats in the House and one in the Senate. So

I hope those old enough exercise their right to vote.

My page experiences strengthened

my partriotic belief so I am looking forward to my voting responsibility

and staying connected to D.C. as I get older. Coming from Fayette, I think

the General would expect nothing less.

(Haleigh M. Breest is a

student at Fayette County High School.)