From expectations to reality: A week at Girls State is a week to remember

By Molly Graesser

Opening the Girls State acceptance letter was an exciting moment for the delegates across South Dakota. At that point, for me, the fear set in. I began contemplating these completely irrational “what if” statements in my head.

I felt severely uneducated in all aspects of government and journalism. I had this strange vision of some vicious Auxiliary ladies lecturing to us about the Government. I feared being called upon to answer a question to which I didn’t posses the answer. I envisioned myself hiding in a shell, not wanting to be put down for my bad ideas. But to my delight the experience has been much different.

Delegates described to me this connection that they experienced upon arriving to their cities. The girls started talking, laughing, and connecting. Fears of scary roommates melted away as pictures of lasting friendships were painted.

We attended our first Girls State meeting that afternoon, the Journalism City mixer. It was so awkward, I would have never pictured that we would mold into such a strong group. I must credit our counselors for bringing us all together. They guided us through those awkward moments and informed us of what was next to come.

Then the learning began, and many delegates spoke of how interactive the program really is. Girls have said they feel that it was empowering to see girls who didn’t even know each other prior to this experience campaigning together, cheering for each other and uplifting others in their talents. I was taken aback by the enthusiasm in the room as the governors, past and present, spoke.

Girls State is a turning point in my life. I am truly amazed by what everyone accomplished this week; it has proven to me what can be done through encouragement.  I learned not to cloud my head with preconceptions. Mine could not have been any further from my actual experience. Most importantly, I learned not only to be a leader but to also be a supporter.

As the week is coming to a close, I want to express what an amazing experience Girls State has been. I stepped out of my comfort zone and into Girls State, a place where sleep was lost but education, friends and leadership qualities were found.