Rags to Riches: Finding Success after Rejection

Tuesday was day three of American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) and for many, it is the start of a new chapter in the delegates’ experiences. The first three days have seen caucuses, campaigns, and elections.

Many delegates have been elected to positions that they have originally ran for, but others have not found such success with their elections. Those who faced disappointment were forced to look elsewhere for employment.

“Well, I only lost by a very slim margin…Losing by a small margin hurts a bit more than a big margin,” said Hyun Stevenson of Ridenour City, who now works for the Secretary of State.

“I ran for senator, city school board superintendent, state school board superintendent, tried to get an appointed job with the mayor, and all of those did not work out…I wouldn’t be lying if I said I wasn’t a little sad that I lost” said Everett Lynch of Estepp City, who was appointed to treasurer for the Albert City school board.

Both of these delegates’ original plans did not come to fruition. Finding a new job was a struggle for them, but there are different paths one can go to be employed elsewhere. Lynch then sought a city appointed position but was met with more roadblocks. However, an opportunity did finally arise.

“I was at the job fair when I met some guys who had an open spot for their city school-board treasurer… Once I got [that] job, I felt a lot of relief,” Lynch said.
Dan Witcher of Estepp City faced hardships running for prosecuting attorney and the House of Representatives. Similar to Lynch, he also found success being appointed to a city position.

“I then went for superintendent because I have first-hand experience as my uncle is the superintendent of my school district, and have also been exposed to educational-based backgrounds,” said Witcher.

Another way one could find a job is at the ALBBS Job Fair. This fair is open for delegates to learn and fill the less popular jobs of the state. Candidates sat through many different interviews for many different fields ranging from mental health to transportation. Interviewing for jobs was not easy, many still faced rejection.

“My friends and I originally interviewed for utilities…We all didn’t get the job and felt pretty angry. We then quickly realized the job fair is still open and there are more jobs to interview for,” said Stevenson.

Stevenson, Lynch, Witcher, and many other delegates faced loss and rejection from the city, county, and state elections. They all learned that rejection is not the end and were able to persevere through the obstacles in the employment process.