Loutensock reports on Girls State

    Walking through the double doors of the University of Northern Colorado on the first day of Girls State, I felt as if I were walking in blind with no clue what to expect. There was not one familiar face to cling to, which, coming from a small town, made me feel vulnerable and exposed.
    To make matters worse, I had little knowledge in politics. I knew the basics from my general education, but beyond that I had shown little interest since I have always had a desire to join the medical field. Little did I know that when I would walk out of those double doors, I would be walking out with new passions.
    The purpose of Girls State is to simulate the legal process of election and legislation. Girls were grouped in cities, counties and parties. Each city in Girls State was named after an influential woman. The three counties were named after qualities a leader should have: Tenacity, Bravery and Passion. Instead of having Democrats and Republicans, Girls State used Nationalists and Federalists for their parties.
    I had the pleasure of being a citizen of Frida Kahlo, named for a famous Mexican artist. There were 15 other girls, making a grand population of 16 along with two counselors and a junior counselor.
    The first order of business was to hold a town meeting. Looking around our city hall, we each looked equally uncomfortable to be surrounded by total strangers. In our town meeting we were informed our first election would be for mayor and city councilwoman.
    My original plan was to blend in with the background, but on impulse I picked up a sheet and began asking for signatures to be put on the ballot for mayor. I acquired the required amount, allowing me to meet a few girls in my city, and waited for the next step.
    Once the other candidates were finished, we each had to give a minute speech on why the citizens of Frida Kahlo should vote for us. I was not informed public speaking would be a part of the process, but I figured since I had come this far I might as well finish.

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