By Jordan Dooley
I never considered myself an overly patriotic person. Sure I was proud to be American, considered Independence Day my favorite holiday and recited the Pledge of Allegiance every morning since kindergarten, but never did I recognize how fortunate I was to live in a country like ours. Two months ago when Girls State flyers circulated Silverton High School I was more interested in padding my resume rather than fostering a love for our country. Once finding out I was accepted into Girls State, a leadership and citizenship program for high school girls, I was more full of dread than excited to attend a week focused on government and politics.
On Sunday, June 19 I arrived at Willamette University, expecting that the rest of the day would be devoted to settling in, I was surprised that we were only given an hour to get acquainted with our new surroundings and then were required to attend a three hour orientation. While counting the minutes left of the introductory assembly, I overheard a reoccurring theme from the various speakers: Girls State changed my life and perspective of my country. To me this was baffling. How could a week spent talking about alternative fuel sources and immigration regulations really be that life-changing?
At Girls State, the first thing done was to assign each girl to represent a county. All 200 attendees were then divided into groups of 20 fellow county citizens. We shared the same dormitory as well as experienced the week together. Once settled into counties, girls then elected senators, representatives, journalists and a sheriff, while girls not elected to a position had the opportunity to attend workshops throughout the week.
Resembling the real world, Girls State gave a very exact representation of politics and the ways of our government. In the Senate and House of Representatives, girls received the opportunity to debate and pass bills focused on addressing tough issues. Journalists had permission to explore and document all aspects of Girls State; while the sheriff stood amid the fun making sure all was legally good. Meanwhile, girls in workshops received the opportunity to take part in mock trials, learn how to advance bills and explore careers in government and politics.
Along with a chance to practice real political procedures, the girls got the opportunity to listen to guest speakers such as Justices from the Oregon Supreme Court, President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Oregon’s Secretary of State, and staff from Willamette University. Though all political savvy and intimidatingly successful, the speakers’ list of similarities stopped there, as all the speakers were from different environments. Like Tressa Sinn, a Girls State attendee and Silverton High student said, “It is inspiring to know that no matter a person’s past, anyone can become someone, with a little extra ambition.”
Half way into the week, girls were able to expand beyond their designated counties and enter statewide politics running on either a nationalist or federalist party platform. Both parties held primary elections for Governor, Supreme Court Justice, Treasurer and Secretary of State. Once the votes were counted each elected party nominee then ran against each other in the final election. Elections were as high-quality as the rest of the program with an actual campaign rally, voter’s pamphlet and official ballots. Results of the final election were revealed at a general assembly. The elected girls were sworn into office at the inauguration the following day.
Although there is no question I learned a tremendous amount on how our government works, it was the diversity of the girls’ backgrounds that taught me the most. In my county girls came from small farm towns, wealthy suburbs, laid back coastal towns, inner city neighborhoods and every possible area in between. They were Protestant, Mormon, Jewish, atheist and Catholic. They were Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic and Asian. In my county there were Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and Independents. They were poor, rich, tall, short, loud and quiet. But in my county girls could respect the differences, delete their prejudices, and learn to truly appreciate the country they so fortunately live in.
Coming away from a week at Girls State has deepened my understanding of political process, given me greater respect for our politicians and unlocked a new found passion for politics. It proved to me that no matter our individual shortcomings and many differences, America has and always will stand as an admirable country.
Now, as a Girl State alumnus, I can agree with the Girl State staff’s opening comments at our orientation: Girls State will change your life.
Girl State has taught me that no matter a person’s ethnicity, religion, gender or political beliefs, an American can achieve their dreams, fulfill their potential and can forever love and honor this incredible country of ours.
In September Jordan Dooley will be a senior at Silverton High School.
