High school marks the start of independence and the start of finding opportunities for yourself. One of the least talked about opportunities for women at ADM is Girls State. Girls State is an opportunity for women in 11th grade, provided through the American Legion Auxiliary of Iowa. Girls State is a longstanding tradition that has happened for over 70 years and an experience for women to learn more about Iowa’s governing systems and the non-partisan government. Along with learning about the government, girls listen to many speakers and connect with others.

For the year 2023-2024 school year, the ADM nominees are Kelli Storck and myself. Girls State runs for a week during the month of June and is held at Drake University.

I asked Geneva Timmerman, the ADM 2021-22 nominee, and Kelli Stock a few questions about their opinions of Girls State, and got more insight from ADM’s Girls State Representative, Jackie Giles.

Q: Why did you apply for Girls State?

Geneva Timmerman: “I didn’t apply. I was nominated by a teacher and had no clue what it was or what I was getting myself into.”

Kelli Storck: “I chose to apply for Girls State because of the opportunity it would give me to learn more about the government. The things that I will learn will benefit me in the future to help me to be more knowledgeable in politics. My dad went to Boys State in high school too and he enjoyed it. After hearing of his good experience, I was excited to apply. I also chose to apply because I would be able to meet other people and make new friends from all over Iowa.”

Q: Would you recommend this experience to younger girls?

Geneva Timmerman: “Yes, of course. It is a lot and can be very competitive so it’s good to go into it with an open and positive attitude. It’s important to believe that the experience overall will benefit you. Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and participate. It will be so much more fun if you do. Ultimately, I fell in love with the girls in my ‘city’ and we all stay in contact to this day. They were all so supportive and loving the whole time and we had a blast. I gained so much from the entire experience and it helped me grow more in my communication and collaboration skills.”

Q: What should you wear? What constitutes business casual? Is this Friday business casual or Monday-Thursday?

Geneva Timmerman: “Honestly, I’m an overpacker so I think I brought a giant suitcase. Of course, you need lots of toiletries with being a girl so I brought towels, makeup, a toothbrush, hair stuff, and a curling iron. I brought five pairs of shoes including cute tennis shoes, different heels, and flats. I brought multiple dresses, pantsuit outfits, and my prom dress for the end. I also brought casual wear to use around the dorms, for sleeping, and for when I was working out. I brought lots of pens, a notebook, and a book to read if I was bored, but I never had any free time all week. I also brought sheets and bedding and a phone charger. Also, they gave me a shirt that I had to wear to the capital with everyone else and I had to wear dress pants with it. No jeans.”

Q: What are your future plans, and will this experience help you with your future?

Geneva Timmerman: “My future plans of becoming a PT don’t really align with the political system that we learned about at Girls State, but I gained a ton of other characteristics from it. I learned the importance of communication (knowing how to speak and listen to others about their opinions), and how to collaborate with people who might not agree with you. I learned integrity, empathy, confidence in myself, creativity, decision-making, and ultimately that women are amazing. I learned so much about the US political system and how we make big decisions to impact our communities. I met women from everywhere and all walks of life who shared their unique experiences and who had different opinions than I did.”

Q: How would you describe the process of Girls State?

Geneva Timmerman: “I went into it with no idea what it all entailed, so it was somewhat overwhelming when I first got there but the schedule is very structured and easy to follow.  You will be working from 6 am to 11 pm, and I can promise you that. They have you constantly on the ball and busy, with little breaks, but it is so fun. It starts with the ‘lower’ positions like the mayor and slowly works up to the governor. You get to campaign and run for as many positions as you want throughout the week. You write speeches, listen to many other speeches, vote, and get to participate in creating and passing bills in the House and Senate if you obtain one of those positions, it is so fun.”

Girls State is a special experience that can impact your future. Along with empowering women, you can learn so much through this experience. Girls State is exclusive to women in the state of Iowa, however, there is also an opportunity for men as well. Their opportunity is Boys State and is also available to junior boys living in Iowa.

Jackie Giles, the lead representative for Girls State at ADM feels this process and opportunity is very important.

“I believe that we, as citizens, should understand the political process and be familiar with our responsibilities as citizens of the United States. We all have the ability to make change happen by voting, making our voices heard, and participating in everyday life around us. Even just understanding our community on a smaller political scale, we can understand how we fit into the entire world, ” said Giles.