Two interviews with Arizona Girls State Citizens on their perceptions of how words impact people
By Eleanor Ackley
Ocotillo City Reporter
On June 4th, 2024, this reporter made an effort to get to know the people in her city and strengthen her interpersonal skills. So, I asked several people what their favorite word in the English language would be. I received several unique answers. This idea inspired the interviews I conducted on the morning of June 5th. I interviewed Selma Lijan and Emerson Miller. They explain their opinions on the impact of words, particularly at Arizona Girls State.
Hi, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with me today. Please state your name, what city you live in, and what high school you go to.
“So, my name is Selma Lijan. I live in Peoria and I go to Ironwood High School…”
What city are you in at Arizona Girls State?
“I’m in Ocotillo City.”
What is your favorite word in the English language? Why?
“My favorite word in the English language would have to be café and I honestly just really like that word because of the aesthetic or the vibe it brings. It gives out like a brown vibe. It’s just…kinda comforting. I like always sitting in cafes as well.”
Do you believe that words have an impact on peoples’ perceptions?
“Yes, I believe that words do have an impact and, y’know sometimes, I don’t remember who it was during Arizona Girls State, but they said that ‘Words are literally a double-edged sword’…They either bring pain or bring happiness upon people and it just depends on what people I guess think of that word as well.”
Specifically for Arizona Girls State, do you believe that the speeches told by County and State Candidates will impact who you vote for?
“…I feel like…they wouldn’t really impact who I vote for as…I feel most people are very…They’re telling their…what they would be doing. It’s more of like the actions that they would do, y’know? So one can say whatever they want, but it’s more of what they do to prove what I must do to get their vote…Or, I mean, to give my vote to people, right.”
Lastly, are you going to present a speech in front of Arizona Girls State?
“No, I’m not really planning to present a speech in front of Arizona Girls State but…y’know, because I’ve already taken up positions in my own city. So I feel like I should just stay within the city just to keep it simple for me…”
Hi, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with me today. Please state your name, what city you live in, and what high school you go to.
“Hello, my name is Emerson Miller and I’m in Yucca City and I go to Chaparral High School.”
What city are you in at Arizona Girls State?
“Yucca City.”
What is your favorite word in the English language? Why?
“My favorite word in the English language has to be…I’d say huzzah because it’s just one of those words that when you say it it’s just a good word. Like, it’s just peppy. It brings people love. I love it.”
Do you believe that words have an impact on peoples’ perceptions?
“Absolutely. Words…dictate…The way you use your words and the way you speak not only in your tone and how you present yourself while you’re speaking, but also what you’re saying can have such a big impact on so many people. Whether they’re the ones receiving the news or what you’re saying or whether you hear it from somebody else,words are our most useful weapon and our most dangerous weapon. And it is something…that is both very beautiful and can be amazing and something that can harm a lot of people.”
Specifically for Arizona Girls State, do you believe that the speeches told by County and State Candidates will impact who you vote for?
“Yes. I try to, as much as we love to make friends and stuff, especially when it comes to voting. Whether that’s for a club, Girls State… positions at school…anything like that, I always try to be impartial beforehand. Where I love seeing the signs, I love meeting the candidates, but, honestly, the speeches have the most impact on me. If you have a better speech than somebody else, I’m gonna vote for you. Or if your speeches convince me, yeah, I’m gonna vote for you!”
Lastly, are you going to present a speech in front of Arizona Girls State?
“Yes, I am. I’m running for…Supai County Sheriff, so I will be giving a speech today.”