Girls State redefined what it means to fail. It provided the opportunity—more importantly, encouraged us—to try new things with the knowledge that we were supported by a network of empowered women, because empowered women empower women. Before, I saw failure as not obtaining something you worked for. But Girls State taught me that failure is not trying, not putting yourself out there, or not taking risks.
Roughly 420 rising senior girls congregated at Sacramento State University for a six-day experience. We were reminded throughout that we were there for a reason, not only because we represented the top 1% of high schoolers in our state, but also because the world needs each of us for our unique and individual strengths. Over the course of 15-hour days packed with activities, we learned about politics, government, and civic engagement.
The main component of Girls State was creating the imaginary 51st state, called Girls State. We had the opportunity to create our own stances, views, and laws, either by drawing from our minds, using California as a loose template, or by reshaping issues we cared about in the world.
Citizens of Girls State were divided into cities. Each city was a part of a county. Our state was made up of four counties. Furthermore, just like the real world, citizens were divided into two political parties.
Elections were a highlight of Girls State. Delegates had the opportunity to run for city, county, and state positions, everything from mayors to superintendents to the governor. I ran for senator of my city. While I did not win, the practice of going through the process, filing for candidacy, giving speeches, and collecting votes, was a unique opportunity to learn about running for office because it reflected the real world. I also ran for party leader, which involved first being an elected candidate of your city, then winning candidacy for your county, and lastly facing 200+ citizens of your party in the party election. I was nominated by my city to continue at the county level, where I delivered a speech that captivated citizens and helped me win the county candidacy. At the final party election, I delivered yet another compelling speech, but ultimately did not win the position of party leader. This was one of the most impactful aspects of my time at Girls State because I was able to try something entirely new (it’s not every day that I run for political office), test my public speaking skills, and experience the ins and outs of campaigning.
After my two unsuccessful attempts at public office, I turned to another opportunity. Continuing my quest to try new things and experiment in a controlled environment, I assumed the role of the witness in the county Mock Trial. Girls State Mock Trials are less about industry procedure and more about the performance. As a witness, I was able to explore my acting skills, something I’ve always wanted to try but never gave myself the chance to. I played a defense witness, the best friend and former victim of a cyberbully. I enjoyed fleshing out a character profile, background, mannerisms, and improvising responses to the prosecution’s questions, which I did so in front of 100+ citizens of my county at a live Mock Trial performance.
At Girls State, I took risks, tried new things, learned about politics and government through experience, and gained a new mindset by redefining what it meant to fail.
I’m incredibly proud to have been able to bring my Carondelet Sisterhood spirit with me. Meeting high school girls from all over the state, I realized how valuable my education within a community of empowered young women was. Carondelet has taught me that women supporting women is the norm. Many of my fellow delegates have not experienced the same sentiment. Rooted in my Carondelet foundations, I was able to deepen the experiences of those around me by modeling what it means to be an educated young woman ready to enter the modern world.
The purpose of Girls State was to connect young women and give them the foundation to become the leaders of tomorrow, all while developing and maintaining strong connections with each other. But it was the little moments, in between meetings and sessions, that made my experience so memorable. Whether it was chatting with new people at lunch or having deep conversations during our secret after-hours dorm party, it all felt like one big sisterhood. I leave Girls State more empowered, educated as a responsible citizen, and feeling affirmed in the knowledge that I am supported by an unbreakable network.