Nina Rawal and Caralea Vest – Yucca City Reporters
These first couple of days at Girls State have been crazy and challenging, yet so much fun. With exciting, informative activities ranging from Lisa Matthews (the Assistant to the County Administrator in Pima County) coming to talk to us to the race for city, county, and state offices, Girls State 2022 has been one for the books, to say the least.
As we are all getting used to the craze that is Girls State, some girls have been feeling excited, but exhausted. Tatum Benson of Yucca City, for example, claims she is “having fun, but it is a little overwhelming”.
Although the week’s plans were initially overwhelming, we are slowly but surely getting used to the stress political figures undergo as they are running for offices.
When interviewing girls about their experience so far, Tiare’ Goss said, “It’s a lot to take in. It really is. But it’s a learning experience and I’ve never done anything like this. It’s really fun and I’ll keep up my smile.”
Hannah Bumm, a candidate for Supai County Treasurer, has nothing but praise for her Girls State experience so far.
When asked how her first few days have gone, Bumm exclaimed, “I love girls state so far. I love the connections with everyone I’ve made. I feel as if everyone around me has the same common likes and interests as I do, which is hard to find in today’s world. This has been an amazing opportunity for me to spread my wings and try things I wouldn’t have otherwise, such as running for different leadership positions. I also love the community and love in our city, no one feels left out.”
Though Girls State can be taxing, the friendships made and lessons learned so far will undoubtedly stick with us for the rest of our lives.
For example, Kaylee Woods from Yucca City stated, “When I came to Girls State, I did not know it was going to be as intense, but I’m so grateful for my experience here, as I’ve been learning about the inner workings of the government.”
Girls State has provided us with the foundation needed to embark on a career in politics or in any other career field. The opportunities here are endless.