Hello!! My name is Youjin, and I was recently chosen for Girls State. I honestly had no idea that I would be chosen, not only am I not related to a veteran, I have nothing that makes me stand out. My not-so-impressive stats and essays somehow made the cut. The real reason that I am writing this post is not to degrade myself, but TO PROVIDE SOME SUPPORT TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SIGN UP!! PLEASE DO!!!!!
I'll start from the beginning. For the past school year, I have been signing up to multiple programs, only to be rejected from all. Ranging from Governors School to internships, I would always qualify for the first round, and never make it to the end. As summer was approaching I was desperate. My school sent out an e-mail about Girls State, and without thinking about it twice, I signed up. For the people who are unsure of the process, they require your extracurriculars, club information, GPA, community service, birth certificate, and two essays. ( I may have left some things out, because I can't really remember.. ) Afterwards, every eligible applicant will get an interview date. ( everyone qualifies if you're an American citizen )
If you would like to compare your numbers to mine ( honestly, it shouldn't play a huge factor, but through personal experience I recognize that it does provide some comfort... )
GPA: 3.94 (W)
ECs: Junior State of America, Book Club, English Honor Society, Korean Honor Society, National Honor Society, Vietnamese Student Association, Forensics, and Model United Nations
Volunteer: KLEMA, Kurdistan Aid, and Lend A Fin
The two essay topics were, 'What Does the American Flag Mean To You' and something about personal experience with volunteering.
At the interview they asked me a total of... 5 questions. ( please do not quote me on this )
* Who do you look up to?
* What do you think of our motto?
* Do you have any prior job experience?
* Do you have any veterans in your family?
* Do you have any questions?
As a second generation immigrant, I am not related to any veterans. Overall, I was really open with the questions, and told personal stories to add to my answers. Don't forget they are very focused on Christian beliefs, as God is a big part of the program. The interviewers were extremely kind to me, and engaged in the conversation. ( so no, they do not scrutinize you while you talk ) Everyone who volunteered to interview the applicants were welcoming!
If anyone else has any other questions about the application or need some advise, I will try my best to help!!!
I, myself, am a Christian, and I know that God was listening to my prayers and helped me through this process! But do not be pressured if you are not! I know someone who was accepted, but she was not a Christian. Additionally, our school broke the average, because usually one or two students are accepted, but four were chosen this year.
Thank you for reading this!!
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