What interested you in attending ALA Girls State and ALA Girls Nation?
I did not find out about ALA Girls State/Nation from my school. Instead, a dear family friend and second father introduced me to the program when I was a freshman in high school. After quickly falling in love with the idea of being surrounded by similarly interested people my age, I — funny enough — had ALA Girls State tentatively marked on my calendar for three years, and never lost interest. ALA Girls State to me was an opportunity — an opportunity to not just learn about our political system here in the U.S., but to see what our political system could be; to see if we, as a generation, can move past the gridlock, look each other in the eye again, and call each other friends outside our debate. While I expected to see a movement in the right direction, I could never have fathomed the level of civil discourse that I ended up experiencing at ALA Girls State and ALA Girls Nation.

What was the biggest lesson you took away from the week?
While I usually avoid sounding trite at all costs, the cliché in this case holds remarkably true: always be who you truly are. On the first day, I felt constricted; I was very conscious of my words, actions, and movements to the point where it became debilitating. I went into the program with the sole goal of making connections, and my exhaustive efforts toward that goal seemed to just inhibit my actual success in obtaining it. Thankfully, that night, I recognized the source of my fatigue, and from that moment on, just lived in the moment. In hindsight, I am extremely thankful for that revelation. My best moments did not come from a plan, did not come from some remarkable, strong persona I created — they came from just living, feeling comfortable in myself, and showing people who I truly am.

What was your favorite part of the week?
Every moment that week was something special: the White House visit, the Senate sessions, Capitol Hill day, the morning omelets, etc. For that reason, I do not think I could ever pinpoint a time as a favorite or say I was most grateful for one opportunity over another. However, I will point you to a time when I felt the whole week in one — the time of the most introspection: the last night. That night, I got to say goodbye to everyone — all the friends, all the staff, all the memories. While this moment was probably the hardest of the whole week, it truly showed me what I had gained from the experience. Who knew you could feel so much love for a person, a people, and an organization, even after only knowing them for a week? This moment, despite how painful it was, allowed me to see the potential of what our connections could be.

Why did you decide to run for president?
I came into this camp with two primary goals: the biggest being to make new connections, and the second to put myself out of my comfort zone. And, well, the first real day — Sunday — went by, and let’s just say I did not speak once: not in the Senate session, not during the speeches, not once. It turns out we had all the other elections beyond president and vice president on Sunday, so as a leap of faith, I just decided to go for it. What was there to lose?

Do you think this experience will have an impact on your college and career goals?
Without a doubt. When I went back home and was asked about the program, I said the same thing each time — there has not been any experience in my life that has even come close to what ALA Girls State and ALA Girls Nation has provided me. And I do not mean this in the way of a “résumé booster” or “flashy title” — to be honest, that has never even crossed my mind. Instead, I direct it toward the character development this program has provided me. That is much more valuable than anything I could ever ask for.

Do you think this experience will have an impact on your political involvement and/or community involvement?
This program gave me hope again. For a while, I fell into a state of political apathy. The whole situation felt more hateful and divisive than I thought could ever reach a point of return. Yet now, I’ve seen what politics — or rather human communication — can become, and I know that these women — the beautiful, intelligent friends I made — are the future. For that, I see myself involved in politics again.

Do you have any words of encouragement for your fellow senators as they go on to their senior year and into college?
Continue being kind to each other. During ALA Girls Nation, I saw something extraordinary. A system of government — sure with flaws, sure with differing opinions — but always a system executed with love. During the whistle stops, someone asked me, “How can we bridge the lack of female representation in politics?” and I answered them by saying, “This.” The reality is that we are, as it was once wisely said, “all in this together.” For that, we should never forget how far we have come and should always remember how far we have yet to go.

Anything else you would like to add?
For those who are interested in this program, do it, and don’t look back. You truly have nothing to lose. In all honesty, I was terrified when I first arrived at both ALA Girls State and ALA Girls Nation — both times only knowing one person. Don’t let the unknown turn down what is yet to be.

By Jennifer Donovan, Staff Writer