This week was basically one of the best learning experiences of my life! I got to go to a program called Girls' State, which is put on by the American Legion Auxiliary. I never thought that I could learn so much in just one week!
At first it was all super overwhelming, but gradually as I got to know the girls in my "city" (Herbert City), it all became so much more enjoyable.
It is amazing to be thrown into a situation with 341 girls, where I know no one, and come away with so many new amazing friends. I know that I will keep some of these girls as friends for life!
I had no influence over where I would be staying, who I would be sharing a room with, or who my counselor would be. It is so neat to see how everything works out so well - how all of the people that I needed to get to know where put so close to me.
I honestly learned so much! I was trying to tell my mom about it, but there are just some feelings and lessons that you can't explain to anyone else, no matter how much you try. Sometimes, you just have to be there.
I think that if I had tried to learn this in a class room setting, it would have been considered boring, yet when you are thrown into it and suddenly you are the delegate or you are the one running the caucus meeting, it is totally different than a teacher's lecture.
I walked away from the speakers and the city/county/state meetings with huge grins and excitement that I didn't know was possible when you are involved in politics. :)
Some of the positions that I was able to hold were County Delegate from Herbert City, State Delegate from Freedom County, Juror in the Mock Trial, and Herbert City Councilwoman. It was so fun to be elected by ballot to some of those positions - it really helped me get involved and enjoy it so much more!
I guess I am just a bigger "nerd" than even I thought possible :) Over the week I really developed a love for the "game" of politics. I enjoyed discussing and debating with my brilliant new friend Angelica; she taught me so much, from Robert's Rules of Order to Parliamentary Procedure to different opinions on social issues. I am grateful to have such a smart "tutor" to clarify things for me!
When Angelica wasn't explaining things to me, I learned from the different speakers (real officials from Cedar City, Iron County, and Utah), my counselors, and other student leaders.
I had an incredible counselor who made everything hilarious - as Kayla would say, "she was a hoot!"
Our "governor" was an incredible leader, along with the other officials and leaders.
It was so neat to learn about the different offices and how to run for them, how to vote, how to lead caucus meetings, how to participate in a mock trial, what a county meeting is like...the list could go on. Honestly, it was so neat to be able to really be part of these things, rather than just listening to them in a boring lecture in a boring setting. Having real life application made it awesome!
Another thing that I was taught while at Girls' State was the importance of patriotism, and honoring veterans and soldiers.
Since it was run by the American Legion Auxiliary, the largest women's patriotic organization in the world and a group that aids veterans, they really tried to present us with opportunities to honor those that have served our country. They emphasized that freedom isn't really free; there is so much sacrifice that goes into giving me the life that I enjoy.
I learned how to properly respect the flag (I get to do a special salute now that I am "graduated!") and how to honor the POW/MIAs.
I learned the story of the Four Chaplains, the significance of the poppies, and witnessed a flag retirement ceremony.
I learned all of the lyrics to the Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Army songs - something that I've always wanted to learn.
It was neat to not only become more knowledgeable in the realm of politics, but also to see how much my patriotism grew. I truly love America, and I know that I am very blessed to live in this country.
