They told me that it would change my life, but I didn’t believe them.

I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I was told I was going to California's Session of Girls State a year ago.

I couldn’t believe it I was the chosen delegate either-my whole goal was just to get interviewed. Even now, months later, I have to look at the pictures to believe that I actually went. I am so thankful for all of the support and encouragement I received. I was incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity of a lifetime.

The pictures I took can’t even represent all of the elements that made Girls State so wonderful-the sense of unity, the kindness, the creativity, the laughter, the festivity, the optimism. The pictures can’t represent the amazing, inspirational stories of each of the five hundred delegates from all over California either.

And these girls were genuine-sincerely genuine. While on the plane, waiting for the bus, or standing in line, I could just start a conversation with any of them about anything. They were pageant queens and Harvard scouted athletes and Ivy League scholars-and they were humble about it.

I met a girl who was an opera singer, I met a girl who was an immigrant, I met a girl who was blind. The diversity in race and beliefs was so rich, yet bound by a common thread of a drive to work hard and help others.  Girls State is by no means nerdy.

There was something to learn from every girl because we all had the opportunity to share our ideas-real ideas that concern the world today. I, not even being a big fan of politics, enjoyed it.

There were elections for different positions modeled after the real Californian government. And they were fun-it was not boring at all. Some girls’ speeches were raps or modern songs.

My roommate had the opportunity to approve bills that delegates had presented.  I had the opportunity to join the newspaper staff. There was a choir, an orchestra, a talent show-there was something that complimented every girl’s interest.

The entire week, however, was not all academic and structured. There was so much spirit since Girls State was a “cheerocracy” and time at night each city dedicated to playing games and getting loud. There was a dance party. There was a mock murder case-supposedly a boy had come onto the Claremont McKenna campus.

Boys State, is just like Girls State in the sense that it is a mock government leadership conference where participants can run for various offices and get involved. I know the interviews and the conference are very different, as my boyfriend was a Boys State finalist last year. Boys State is very different, too. Nearly everyone at Girls State cries at some point. A Girls State friend of mine had bet that there was no crying at Boys State-she was right.

Girls State has been something much more than something to list on my college application. It has been an insightful way to be a more politically-aware citizen and a beautiful week full of learning and growing as a student and person. It has opened up my life to a world of stories I didn’t know existed and given me a wonderful network of talented and down-to-Earth girls. I can’t thank the American Auxiliary Legion enough for these opportunities.

So junior girls, give Girls State a shot and junior boys, give Boys State a shot. And underclassmen, shoot for Girls or Boys state your junior year. It will change your life.