Girls’ State is a summer leadership and citizenship program for specially selected high school juniors which focuses on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics through a hands-on city simulation. This program provides ample opportunity to meet and bond with other girls from one’s state and explore how each and every person contributes to the realm of politics.
This past year, Melanie Kamel ‘24 was selected to represent Rosary Academy at Girls’ State, and she eagerly shares her experience via Q&A:
Q: What was the application process like for this opportunity?
On a random day in March, 5 girls and I were called into the counselors office and told we had the opportunity to apply to a program called “California Girls’ State.” From there, we had to submit a short response to a question as well as our resume, which we turned in on paper. Finally, all the girls were interviewed by the ALA (American Legion Auxiliary, the sponsors) and they selected one girl to represent Rosary.
Q: Why were you interested in the program?
As someone in mock trial and passionate about community impacts from a legal standpoint, I found this government simulation program to be the perfect opportunity to further my interests while connecting with hundreds of girls with similar passions.
Q: How did you feel going into the event?
I was honestly filled with excitement with a hint of nervousness, and I was definitely very tired after the 10 hour bus ride from SoCal to Sacramento. Regardless, I was definitely looking forward to the week!
Q: How was the program set up?
Basically, the 454 girls were split up into cities, counties, and all of us made up the “California Girls’ State.” There were 16 cities, in which every 4 cities made up 1 county, and the 4 counties made up the state. Every city had a hall in the dorms, since the event was at Sacramento State University. After a mock day of activities and introductions, the first official program day was dedicated to city position elections. The second day was for county elections. And the two days after that was dedicated to State position elections.
Q: What position did you “run for” and why?
I decided to go big or go home– I ran for the State position of Supreme Court Justice. After late night speech writing, rehearsing, and two rounds of elections, I was one of the 7 (out of 21) Justices who were elected and got to perform as Justice on the Moot Court at the end of the week. As a mock trialer, I was so curious to know how it feels to be on the other side of the court, in the seat of the Judge. However, I wanted to also gain the experience of running for such a high position, giving a speech in font of hundreds of girls, and playing the role of Justice.
Q: What did you do in your position?
As a Supreme Court Justice, we were given a case and participated in the Moot Court (in our fancy black robes). Once we heard both sides to the trial, we had to conduct a vote, write an opinion piece for both sides, and present both opinion pieces. It was so interesting getting to write and present opinion pieces just how Justices today do it.
Q: What was your favorite memory of the experience?
There were soooo many priceless memories I made, but one of my favs was when it had been the third day of Girls State, and my city friends came over to my dorm room after a long day, and we just sat there talking about our life stories til 2 am. There were so many similarities that brought us together, and through learning so much about our lives back at school and home, we felt so connected. That feeling of belonging and shared passion is irreplaceable and so fulfilling.
Q: If you had to rate your experience on a scale of 1-10, how would you rate it and why?
HANDS DOWN 10/10 – without a doubt. This is something I wish every driven teenage girl could experience; its beyond fulfilling and motivating.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for the Rosary Juniors who will be given the opportunity to participate this year?
Genuinely, be yourself. Trying to be someone you’re not adds nothing to your character, and the best way to find people like you is to not mask who you are. When there’s something you want to pursue, just give it your all and regardless of what happens, everything happens for a reason. Just know this is a huge opportunity and don’t take it for granted–make the most of it!
Girl’s State is such a wonderful opportunity for Rosary Juniors to experience government and politics and to explore their passions, and the Royal Reporter is excited to follow this year’s applicants as they start on their journey of discovery!