Letter encourages junior girls to consider Buckeye Girls State

Dear junior girls and parents:

 

            As many of you may know, my name is Joy Cho and I am a senior this year (and graduating in a few short months!). Last summer, I attended Buckeye Girls State at Mount Union, and I wanted to take a minute and share a little bit of my experience for those who are considering applying, or even for those who are curious about the program.

            Buckeye Girls State (http://buckeyegirlsstate.org/) promises to cultivate and educate young women of Ohio to become better citizens and more knowledgable individuals. To this end, the one week “mock government” camp in June provides endless opportunities to learn about how the government works and to apply this knowledge by serving in different “jobs.” Even before I left for Alliance, Ohio, I was given a list of elected government positions that I would be able to campaign for.

            Sponsored by an American Legion Auxiliary Unit, I went to BGS not knowing exactly what to expect. Over 800 girls from all over Ohio on one college campus seemed crazy to me, but my assigned “city” of about 50 girls and my larger county, as well as my party identification as a “Nationalist,” helped me to get to know many people, and to develop relationships with them. I attended different workshops, and in the end decided to run for Treasurer of State, one of the seven state-elected positions. I knew this would be a long shot, and would test my courage and confidence. Looking back, I am SO GLAD I went for it.

            After giving speeches, campaigning throughout Girls State, networking with fellow delegates, and participating in a culminating debate, I couldn’t believe it when my name was called, announcing me as the 2012 Treasurer of State. I was elated! Now that I had my “job,” I spent the latter part of the week acting as the State Treasurer, which included appointing a staff, coming up with a budget, investing funds, and overseeing taxes, together with the staff. During BGS, everyone is required to have a job--anything from the city mayor to a senator to the county engineer. Everyone’s role is important, and without every girl’s participation, Girls State would not be complete.

            It almost sounds absurd to be learning so much during the summer, but I can say, without a doubt, that BGS has been one of the best experiences I have had during my high school years. I not only learned more about government roles (spurring my interest in political science), but I also experienced the campaigning process firsthand. I learned to tackle my aversion to public speaking, and met some amazing friends that I still keep in touch with. The experience of trying something new was so valuable, and I will always remember and treasure this week at Mount Union.

            Everyone’s experience is different, but I strongly encourage you guys to apply for BGS, as the deadline is nearing. I can’t describe how meaningful this program was, and I want another girl from WC to know what I’m talking about! Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, and I would be more than happy to share more about my experience as well. Again, please consider applying--this is a wonderful opportunity to not just stand out in the college applicant pool next year, but also to discover more about yourself in the process.

 
            If you are interested in applying, please see Cathy Smith (CSMITH@worthingtonchristian.com) in the HS office for an application, but please hurry, the deadline is April 1, 2013.

Sincerely,

Joy Cho