It has almost been a year since I pulled onto that college campus, parked my car, and stood in that registration line. I remember looking around, as if maybe my eyes would connect with another girl's and we'd be instant best friends, taking away all the pressure of having to actually meet people. Not knowing what to expect, I wheeled my suitcase across the sidewalks of campus, looking for my home for the week, hoping that if all else failed, the weather wouldn't be too hot and the food wouldn't be too bad.
The next thing I remember was a whirlwind first City meeting. All of a sudden, there were forty some new faces, all as bright-eyed and anxious as I was. Some of you announced big plans for the week, running for Governor and running for Secretary of State. Others were undecided. The young women acting as our City leaders for the week told us "Go big ladies, you're only here once." I'd like to think we all did.
Those first few days flew by. Without even thinking about it, I was making friends with all of you, girls I had just met. I would hurry to sit by you at lunch. We would gossip about the drama we had heard of in other cities or even the lives we had back home. I didn't know any of your stories before I met you, and together, we all had a fresh start. We could be anyone we wanted to be with each other. I found myself being the girl I had always wanted to be, the girl I really was.
In one dorm, late at night, we would fill the beds, the desks, the floor, and even the tops' of the dressers with girls. We would talk till three in the morning, knowing we would have to wake up in a mere three hours. We laughed at each other's stories. We cried over stupid boys we had only heard of. We gave advice. We hugged. I felt my heart grow for each and every one of you. Breaking that curfew was the best thing we ever did.
When it came time for campaigning and government functions, we supported each other like no other. We cheered for our beloved winners, and we shouted our city's name with pride. As if I had known you all my whole life, I campaigned on your character, your abilities, and your will. I wanted to see you succeed, and you all did the same for me. You made sure I got the position I wanted, and for that I am grateful.
It has been a year since I have seen most of you. Without a doubt, I know I have thought of you all every day. I will be reminded of you in some manner, and desperately want someone to laugh with me about some silly memory I have, but no one knows them like we do. I miss your smiles and your sweet personalities. I miss the support we all gave each other. I would have never guessed in a week's time I would have found some of the most treasured relationships of my life, yet I did.
I wish that somehow distance could be ignored and that schedules could coincide. I wish we could all go back for another week of Buckeye Girls State. However, I know that those things are both near impossible, so instead, I wish for you to have the best in life. Why? Because you are my sisters and "We come from Girls State, the best state in the land."
