Story by Sarah Van Horn
Oftentimes, activities can be explained in as little as two words: boy’s basketball, sculpture club, debate team. However, there are exceptions to many norms, including Girls State.
“I knew it existed; that’s about it,” Middle Counselor Tina Woodside, 21, said. Woodside was a delegate from Columbus in 2011 and became a counselor in 2013.
“Someone said to me, ‘you like politics, you have leadership experience. Apply.’ My brother went to Boys State so I figured it wouldn’t hurt [to apply].”
When Woodside graduates from college she plans on becoming a lawyer. But Woodside never plans on leaving the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). She hopes to continue being a counselor; once settled, she hopes to become involved with her local ALA post.
“I love this program,” Woodside said. “I’m shy and weird and awkward. But State encourages weird; everyone is a little awkward; State makes you branch out. I still text girls that were on my floor two years ago.”
Incidentally, Junior Counselor Kylie Hanson, 19, is also still in contact with girls she met two years ago at Girls State, except Hanson was a delegate from Grant.
“My roommate and I are still really close,” Hanson said.
While the two were roommates Hanson was comforted after she lost her campaigning for a public service position. Hanson made through the first round, then lost going to the general election.
“I was really upset,” Hanson said.
However, Hanson was not disappointed about it very long.
“My assigned position was a director’s position – deputy director,” Hanson said. “I was all like, ‘I lost, but now I’m your boss!’ I was incredibly stoked.”
As matter-of-fact Hanson was so ‘stoked’ that she has vowed to never forget her experiences at Girls State. She has learned leadership and perseverance.
“I [felt] so accomplished when I left State,” Hanson said. “I grew so much; being a counselor I have/will learn so much more. My roommate didn’t come back to State with me, but that’s OK. She’s still pretty chill.”
Another time where roommates have been helpful to Tyler Girls State Counselors happened with Senior Counselor Cydney Volker, 31. Volker’s college roommate called her while Volker was at her Lincoln home..
“Funny story: My roommate called,” Volker said, “someone backed out of volunteering for the week. I said yeah; I had no clue what it was but I thought it’d be fun – I never went during high school.”
Volker has been a Senior Counselor since 2009.
“I’m going to keep coming back until I can’t keep up with them,” Volker said. “I’ve met so many great friends. Everyone is enthusiastic and energetic. But I’m OK with a week – we’d all go crazy if we stayed together forever.”
Counselors at Girls State are different, something that Woodside, Hanson and Volker have in common is that they were clueless about Girls State, met people they will not forget and do not plan on leaving all the ‘great friends’ they have met anytime soon.
“I’ve met about 1,500 girls,” Woodside said. “And it’d be great if I could ever see all of them again.”
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