In early June, I traveled to New York City to be a member of the Wanli Emperor’s Court. Upon my arrival, I helped the emperor dress in his imperial robes and bowed to him as he sat on the throne. I was respectful, I didn’t cross my legs, and I sat up straight. It was as decorous as any audience with the emperor should be. Surprisingly, this all took place in a Barnard College classroom. When the week was over, once again I was Arlena McClenton, college student and preceptor at the 2016 Annual Reacting to the Past Faculty Institute.

Reacting to the Past is a class that uses public speaking, persuasive writing and historical role play to teach students about certain historical periods. The period could be 1910s Greenwich Village, Ming China, ancient Athens, the Industrial Revolution or any other watershed moment in history. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Students take on the roles of people actually living during these times while the instructor, or gamemaster, takes a backseat. In my class, it was incredibly inspiring to see my peers lift each other up and lead discussions rich with nuance and open mindedness. The nine of us — all from member schools of the Reacting Consortium — made a strong team. This was a shining example of how students can take an active role in their own education.

During the conference, professors learned what Reacting to the Past was and how to play the games, and networked with faculty at other institutions. Student preceptors assisted with administration duties, greeting faculty and facilitating gameplay. Even though the conference was for faculty, I was reminded how powerful young voices can be at every turn. Students led the way with the skills they developed and improved when they took the class: interacting with people who have different backgrounds and different opinions, thinking quickly and improvising, and overcoming challenges creatively.

I have to remind myself that these things don’t happen in a vacuum. When young people are given the chance to lead and inspire their peers, they do it. Rarely does it dissolve into the anarchy and chaos that most adults fear. I’m excited to play active roles in programs like the Reacting to the Past Institute that inspire teens to take charge of their destinies and their lives.

Arlena McClenton, 19, is a rising sophomore at Barnard College. She loves writing, reading and searching for the perfect cup of tea. Say hi on Twitter @lenamcclenton.