"Raise your voices, raise them high. Sing to Girls' State and here's why. Look to Girls' State and you'll find tomorrow's leaders of mankind."
Laurel Girls' State, sponsored by the American Legion, was the experience of a lifetime. Not only did I learn the catchy LGS song, as quoted above, but I also met some of the most amazing girls, girls who are beautiful on the inside and out.
Quite honestly, I had no idea what I was going to be getting into when I received my invitation. I knew that there would be a lot of debating and that the girls who had come before had an incredible time. Even when I stepped onto the Eastern Connecticut State University Campus I still had no idea what to expect.
Despite not knowing much about it, I made sure to completely immerse myself into the program. I got involved in the mock government as much as I could and made sure to put myself out there. I led the Federalist Party through party meetings and rallies and also moderated senate sessions. Through these positions, in which I got to oversee all the participants, I saw a change in myself and others. By the end of the week, I saw some of the quieter girls running for big positions. I saw girls break out of their comfort zone and speak up, even if meant supporting the unpopular opinion.
I heard from various speakers, many of which spoke in ways that inspired all of us. With new determination in their hearts, I watched many of the girls grow and change over the course of the program. I saw girls who ran for positions from which they either fulfilled their position perfectly if they won or if they lost stood back up stronger than before. Every day that week, the counselors and speakers reassured us all that we were the best and brightest Connecticut had to offer. And as much as we all got tired of hearing the same statement, I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say that by the end of the program we really believed it. We were all intelligent and driven individuals, and each one of us wanted to do something to change society, whether it was the perception of women in the career world, the protection of the world we live in, or the safety of those who need it most. Every girl I met was bold, motivated, and passionate. I was absolutely honored to be among them all. I can't wait to see all the amazing things they do with their lives, as I'm sure they'll be the women of tomorrow's bright future.
Here's to the 2016 Laurel Girls' State Alumni.
