GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Rep. Kat Cammack opened her talk at Clay High by telling students they were a far more intimidating audience than what she faces in the nation’s capital.

As the final speaker at Clay High’s “Clay Talks” series, she addressed how to overcome adversity, the importance of civics and how they can live enriching lives.

As the youngest Republican woman in Congress, she said her colleagues asked her about the social media app Tik Tok or modern lingo. The students are entering the real world at a critical point in time for the country. People who tell stories well in the modern age are the ones who can lead, she said.

“There are no participation trophies in life,” she said. “... You should welcome adversity.”

Cammack recalled overcoming homelessness and having family members fighting addiction. She said she was the first person in her family to go to college.

“That was my first taste of adversity and figuring out what the heck I’m going to do with my life,” she said.

An 18-year-old having more freedom and power comes with more responsibilities. People will want to shape the path of a young person’s life and define what success is, she said.

“The thing I want you guys to remember is that it’s your life,” Cammack said.

Pivoting to civics, Cammack gave each student a pocket-sized U.S. Constitution. She referenced Oprah Winfrey’s famous episode where the TV host gave everyone in the audience keys to an SUV. She tasked them with taking the time to read it.

“Don’t just put it in your bag,” she said, holding a copy. “Open it. Read it. Talk about it. Ask questions.”

She said students can do whatever they want no matter their backgrounds.

“You guys are so incredibly lucky because we live in, hands down, the greatest country on Earth,” she said.

Cammack recommended reading “Tools of Titans” by podcaster Tim Ferriss and the famous essay “Message to Garcia.” Elaborating on the latter, “Message to Garcia” involves an unshakeable messenger during the Spanish-American War overcoming numerous physical and mental hurdles to deliver a vital message.

Self-sufficiency is the key, Cammack said.

“If you can channel that, you can do anything,” she said.

Cammack represents District 3, which includes Clay County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.