This time last year, I was packing for Missouri Girls' State while filled with an assortment of emotions. Having not been told much, I was unsure of what exactly I was in store for. I knew that being selected to attend was truly an honor, but the thought of traveling six hours to a different part of the state to spend the week with hundreds of strangers seemed intimidating. While part of me was excited for this new experience, another part was filled with dread and a bit of worry. Now, a year later, when I look back on that week, I can see how much of a blessing it was. The worry I had was all for nothing. With that being said, I hope these tips are helpful to Missouri Girls' State 2017 delegates that are currently filled with the same emotions as I was a year ago.

1. Don't expect Girls' State to be like Boys' State.

Since Boys' State is a week prior to Girls' State, I heard all of the details from my guy friends. From their afternoon sports, to their lack of coffee during breakfast, to even starting up "mafias" within some of their cities, I arrived at MGS under the assumption that my experience would be much the same. However, when discussing this during our first meal with some other girls, I was immediately shut down by a counselor. "Girls' State is not the same as Boys' State," she said. And she was completely right. I soon discovered that the two were vastly different as we sadly did not have sports, but thankfully did have coffee.

2. The first two days are the toughest.

During the first couple of days, try to keep an open mind. I found this to be the hardest part. At first, you are being thrown in a "city' with a bunch of girls that you will more than likely have never met. Along with this, you have to immediately decide what you would liked your role at MGS to be. This is understandably intimidating. These two days are filled with several elections and sessions as everyone basically tries to build a government from the ground up. While this is not the most exciting time, try to keep in mind that after you are through with this, everything starts getting more exciting.

3. Bring a jacket for Hendricks.

Seriously. Hendricks Hall is always freezing!

4. Bring snacks!

I'm not saying the food at MGS is bad, but it isn't always good. The meal itself is usually pretty decent, but sometimes the sides are a bit questionable. The meal will be chicken nuggets for example, and that's cool and all until you realize that the side is rice. Then you find the side for the next meal is rice, and the side for every meal after is rice. Therefore, I suggest bringing snacks for when it's midnight and you're hungry for something that is not rice.

5. Your experience depends on you.

You will quickly find out at MGS that you can be as involved as you want. It all depends on how much effort you are willing to put in. You can branch out by running for a position, playing in the band, or even performing in the talent show! And if maybe you are more of a behind the scenes kind of person, you can participate by designing your city's banner or helping a friend run for office. Or you could always be the person that does nothing and only complains of how horrible MGS is. Girls' State is essentially what you make of it. MGS left such a huge impact on me, because I stepped out of my comfort zone for a week and left feeling empowered. With these tips, I hope your experience at Missouri Girls' State can be just as memorable as mine was!