Expectations vs Realities: My Girls State Experience

Just a few weeks ago, Girls State seemed to be so far away. Now, it’s actually over. Something that once felt so far away in the future went by so fast.

Hi everyone, my name is Emmie Smith. A little background information about me: I’m in Pearl Parish and currently serve on Poppy Press and as the Pearl Parish Federalist PPC. Before coming to Girls State, I was super anxious about what the week would hold. I honestly just didn’t know what to expect. To help the future citizens in the upcoming years, here are my expectations v.s. realities of Louisiana Girls State.

Expectation:

I’m not going to be able to make any true friendships that would be able to last after Girls State ends. 

Reality: 

I have met so many amazing and powerful young women. Every day I have met someone completely new, just by a quick introduction. Everyone in my parish truly made me feel so comfortable and loved. My roommate might be the most determined person I have ever met; she pushed me to stay hopeful and positive throughout the election process. Meeting all of these new friends, I was never alone during the week. The amount of laughs, smiles, hugs, tears, and snacks shared over the week between all of us shaped my experience at Girls State. I can not explain how sad I am to leave any of these girls, but I know that even after 6 days, our bonds will last a lifetime.   

Expectation:

I will just run for something in my city so that I only have to give a speech in front of 23 people. I have no confidence in my speech skills to run for anything bigger. 

Reality:

I am the Parish Communications Officer and the Parish Party Chairman for Pearl Parish. Running for these positions, I was in a room with so many uplifting girls who made me feel so confident in myself. Of course, saying that first speech in front of 50 people was a little intimidating at first, but when I got up to the front, all of my fear quickly vanished. It didn’t matter if I didn’t have the loudest voice or the longest speech; all that mattered was that I did the best I could have done. Nobody judged, and nobody else cared if I tripped up on a few words or even completely winged a speech; they cared about who I actually am. By the time I made it to my second speech for PPC, it was a breeze. I had so much confidence that I decided on the spot to run with no speech prepared. I spoke from the heart, and it paid off. Never be afraid or timid to step out of your comfort zone. You never know what will be waiting on the other side. 

Expectation:

I think this week is going to be so boring! What do you mean all we do is learn about the state government?

Reality:

This week has probably been one of the best weeks of my life. Of course, yes, I learned a ton of usable information about the government and how it works, but my take away was so much more. I had so much fun throughout everything, late-night talks with the pearl girls, yelling the chants on the top of my lungs, and actively listening when we had guest speakers. During the week, everything became more and more fun. Fun fact: we have so many little competition nights that are the funniest times there. Try to stay positive the entire time and laugh it out. Remember that no one will remember what you did yesterday, but they will remember what you do today. Keep smiling and listen to everything, because there is so much valuable information shared.

In conclusion, I had such a great experience at Girls State. If I could do it all over again, I would do it the exact same way. The friendships you will create will shape your personal experience at Girls State. The lessons you will learn will forever stick with you throughout everything. The confidence you will gain will continue to build up from this experience. If you’re reading this and are coming to Girls State, I hope this changes your perspective. Remember to stay positive and keep an open mind. Forever Girls State 2026!