Alabama Girls State: Making an Impact

Sometimes the Best Man for the Job is a Woman

by: Heesoo Cho, class of 2027

This summer, I got the opportunity to represent Saint James at Alabama Girls State. Going in, people raised my expectations for the experience, calling it "life-changing" or saying "they made their forever friends." But instead of being excited, I was scared. I was scared that I wouldn’t make any friends, that I wouldn’t represent Saint James well, and that I wouldn’t have the same experience as everyone who went before me.

As I navigated my way through the week that was Girls State, I was very sorely mistaken. From meeting my best friend, listening to life-changing lectures, and presiding over 200 girls in the House of Representatives, not only did I feel like I belonged, but more importantly, I felt like I made an impact.

And I was not alone. Hosting 400 girls from all over the state, Alabama Girls State was an accurate representation of what Alabama is: diverse and passionate. I shared stories with girls who’ve lived on farms their whole life, girls who ride the bus to school, and even girls who’ve moved more times than they can count—all different, but all with one common goal: a passion and a drive to change the world we live in.

As Speaker of the House, it was my job to preside over 200 girls in the House of Representatives, but it was also my job to mediate discussions. This was especially true for discussions in legislative sessions where delegates debated bills that they wrote about their dreams and ideas. One of the topics that was brought up all throughout the week was "polarization." The world we live in is more polarized in more ways than one, with constant arguments over who is right or wrong. But Girls State was a way to diminish that polarization because, despite our differences, we all have one common goal: to change the world for the better.

I was glad to be joined by my classmate and fellow STJ Student Ambassador, Charleigh Kate Harper, who attended as an external applicant and served as a city council member for her city. I am so proud and honored to have represented Saint James at Alabama Girls State, because it has changed me for good.

#wearesaintjamesschool