The first day of ALA Girls Nation 2016 was the beginning to what will no
doubt be a fantastic week filled with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to grow
in knowledge, wisdom, and character, and create relationships with the best and
brightest nationwide. Much of today was spent traveling across the country to
meet the other ALA Girls Nation senators in Washington, D.C. Eagerly keeping my
eyes open for bright red bandanas, I tossed my suitcase onto the plane and my
kept my expectations high — I was not disappointed. The five other girls on my
flight came from Hawaii, North Dakota, and Wyoming. After landing late
afternoon we were greeted by the smiling faces of ALA Girls Nation staff and
met up with other delegates. Though I’ve met more girls and learned more names
in the past few hours than I will ever remember, I already feel at home and
relaxed in the company of these girls that share the same passion and
excitement for our government.
After a quick change into our cherry red, ALA Girls Nation polo t-shirts
and black bottoms we hurried to dinner and then to flag ceremony. Despite the
heat and humidity, the colors were swiftly retired. We then attended the Opening Convocation. During the ceremony, we were introduced to and greeted by the
fantastic ALA Girls Nation staff comprised of fantastic role models and leaders
within the American Legion Auxiliary and our nation. We learned about the ALA’s
impressive history, got to know the rules and our junior counselors through
humorous skits, and solemnly created the poppy wreath that will be placed at
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery later in the
week. After a quick choir rehearsal, we gathered in our communities (shout out
to Spring Valley!) to get to know each other a little better as well as reflect
on the age old Proverb, “Honesty in the best policy.”
My day was filled with eye-opening conversations with other girls,
laughter, and astonishment at the capabilities of the strong, bold, and wildly
intelligent young women that surround me. I’m honored and excited to be here
and cannot wait to see what this week holds. It will undoubtedly be a
life-changing experience for each girl involved.
Alexa Holsten, Colorado
Spring Valley
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