A Sisterhood of Future Leaders

Louisiana Girls State is much more than just a leadership camp—it’s a place where friendships are found, confidence grows, and memories are made. From the moment we got there—nervous and kind of wanting to turn back—we were split into “parishes,” which became our little families for the week.

I was in Amite Parish, and I honestly think we had the best counselors (okay, maybe I’m a little biased!). They were super fun and encouraging—they played an immense role in helping girls feel at home by leading us in cheers, guiding us through campaigning, and offering support as we wrote speeches or stepped into leadership roles for the first time.

I came in thinking I’d probably end up on my own, sitting off to the side most of the week. But right away, I found friends in my parish, and then later in my committee and special project group (Poppy Press!). There are so many different types of girls at Girls State, with all kinds of personalities and interests, that it’s impossible not to find your people. You feel totally free to be yourself—whether that means jumping around, shouting chants, or just talking about the things you're passionate about.

To help everyone get into the spirit, there are theme days, which bring tons of energy and creativity. They really bring out the fun, competitive side of Girls State while also building a strong sense of unity and pride.

But it’s not just fun and games. Every day, we heard from amazing guest speakers who shared their stories—their struggles, their wins, and everything in between. They made me feel like I can chase big dreams and that my voice actually matters.

One of the coolest things about Girls State is how supportive everyone is. Whether someone’s giving a speech, running for office, or just participating in a group activity, the room fills with claps and cheers. At one panel, we were told to hold our applause so we could ask more questions—but honestly, it’s second nature to cheer each other on here. You really feel like everyone wants you to succeed. It’s this awesome mix of friendly competition and genuine kindness.

At Louisiana Girls State, you learn how to lead—but you also find a sisterhood. That spirit of support and empowerment sticks with you, even after the week is over. You are told by everyone through the week that you will get out what you put in, and while I doubted it at first, I quickly learned that it couldn’t have been more true.