Counselor and staff profile sketches: part four

Gayla Schmid

Girls State Advisory Committee Member

Number of years involved in Girls State: Six.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I’ve always been interested in youth programs and one year the President asked me to do it, so I became involved.”

Favorite part about Girls State: The girls and the knowledge they possess.

Advice: “Keep smiling--the greatest thing you can do is keep a positive attitude.”

Cydney Volker

Senior Counselor, City of Adams (Sixth Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: Six.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I was the alternate to go to Girls State, but one year my roommate, who had gone to Girls State, asked if I would help as a counselor because they needed more help.”

Favorite part about Girls State: Meeting the counselors and the new girls.

Advice: “Enjoy senior year! Remember to tell everyone Girls State is awesome!”

Kaylee Dump

Middle Counselor, City of Bush (Third Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: Three.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: Loved Girls State when she went as a delegate in 2009.

Favorite part about Girls State: “Watching the girls learn and open up to meeting new people.”

Advice: “Be open minded. It’s a scary experience, but it’s worth it. Come out of your comfort zone and enjoy the experience.”

Sapphire Andersen

Junior Counselor, City of Madison (Eighth Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: One.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I loved the year I was there in 2012; my counselor inspired me to come back. I wanted to connect with the girls like she did.”

Favorite part about Girls State: “Seeing creative campaigning and connecting with girls.”

Advice: “You get out what you put in. Don’t be afraid about meeting new girls. Be yourself!”