MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake student learned about being a leader from the nation’s capitol.

Peninsula Elementary School fifth-grade student Samantha Salinas, 10, traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Junior National Young Leaders Conference.

“I think it was awesome because I got the opportunity that may not happen again,” Salinas said.

Counselor Debbie Hornie nominated Salinas to attend the conference. When Salinas was accepted, she did enough fund-raising to fund the trip.

Hornie said Salinas has stand-out leadership qualities and abilities.

“She’s going to go places,” Hornie said.

She described Salinas as a person who takes charge.

At the conference, Salinas learned about the six traits of leadership: Character, communication, goal setting, problem solving, respect and teamwork.

“I learned that you shouldn’t be afraid to share anything, and it’s important to learn all the leadership traits,” Salinas said.

Communication skills are needed for all jobs, she noted.

“Without respect, you don’t get respect,” she said.

The freedoms of religion, petition, speech, press and assembly, contained in the first amendment, were also discussed.

The best part about the trip for Salinas was visiting monuments and learning about them.

Salinas is not sure what she would like to do for a career, but she knows she wants to help people.

“I’ve told my mom that I want to be like in the Army or the Navy,” she said.

At school, Salinas’ favorite subject is science.

“I like learning about animals and bugs and plants,” she said.