Dear Girls' State,
As the time approaches for the women of the class of 2017 to go on an adventure of a lifetime, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my own journey at Girls State. During my time as a delegate in the year of 2012, I had the honor of being the Senate whip for the "feds" party (we were broken up into federalists and nationalists, to distinguish groups while allowing for a flow of political sides and ideologies), and I was also able to serve as the federalist Keynote Speaker.
Now, four years later, I sit and try not to fall apart because I will not be able to attend this year. I served as a junior counselor and then twice as a senior counselor, and let me just say, these last four years have been the time of my life. It's the week of the year that I look forward to, and not being able to go this year is one of the saddest things I have to face.
So as I won't be there, I would like to say a few things to those who made a difference in my life my delegate year, and the following years I was a counselor. I would also like to say a thing or two to those that are going to Girls' State 2016.
To those who embarked on this crazy journey back in 2012 with me, thank you. Thank you so, so much for not only putting forth your heart and soul, but for embracing me as a friend and as a keynote speaker. My roommate proved to be one of the only people shorter than me, and now I've gotten to watch her get married, be with child and send off her loved one to serve our country. I've gotten to call a lot of the girls from my delegate year classmates, co-workers and, most importantly, friends.
We made leaps and bounds in our personal lives and learned so much about government and about society that I couldn't replace that experience with anything in the world. If you're reading this, and you went to Girls' State with me, you know just how much you mean to me. From first arriving to planning what would be the 2012 Governor's keynote address and party caucus, every single moment is cherished and special.
To those who are about to start your Girls' State adventure, soak up every single moment, because it will be gone before you even realize it. If you are hesitant as to if you should run for something, even if it seems impossible, do it. You will not regret your choice, because even running for something that could be a big accomplishment is an accomplishment of its own. Entering into a competition like this can be one of the best and most life changing or empowering feelings you can experience. Girls' State has the opportunity to change your life: you just have to let it.
I didn't know it then, but those were the days that shaped me for the rest of my life. They were the days that gave me the courage to stand out in college, to be a part of our Students' Association at SDSU and to dream of being a member of city government as I near graduation and move on. So thank you, to everyone.
To my fellow delegates: thank you for sharing that week with me and creating life long memories.
To my junior counselor group: thank you for being the team. We were the strongest squad I've ever been a part of. Thank you for keeping me awake, when we legitimately did not sleep at all.
To my senior counselors: thank you for advising me and sharing those weeks with me. Thank you for growing with me and showing me a new side to everything.
To my delegates who I have had the honor of being a counselor to: thank you for showing me inspiration to be a better leader and encouraging me to be the best me.
You are all my inspiration, every single day. I will miss Girls' State this year, but I know there will be great success coming from this group. Best of luck, and raise your voices, raise them high!
Girls' State Song; let it ring forever in your heart.
"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. WE are the future builders, builders in a band. And we come from Girls' State. THE BEST STATE IN THE LAND (rah rah rah) We are up and coming, progressive kind and strong. And to our own Girls' State, we proudly sing our song."
