Each summer, incoming senior girls from across Texas participate in Girls State, an immersive program that teaches the inner workings of government and empowers students to become informed, active citizens. The experience does not just educate participants on politics; it shapes their confidence, leadership, and civic engagement.
“I just remembered opening my email and seeing that I’d been nominated for Girls State, and I was like, ‘What is this? ’” senior Trinity Rush said. “I didn’t know anything about it, honestly. I looked it up and learned a little about the program.”
Despite her uncertainty, encouragement from a former participant helped her step up and take a chance on the program.
“There was a senior last year who went, and when I found out we’d been accepted, I texted her,” Trinity said. “She immediately said, ‘You have to go. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. You’re going to love it.’ And she was right.”
For senior SaNyla Bullock, the nomination itself was a moment of pride and validation.
“Being selected really helped with my confidence; it was empowering,” said SaNyla. “After meeting with a lady from the Legion, we were told how we’d be building a government from the ground up and meeting a bunch of girls from all over Texas. I knew it would involve government, but I didn’t realize how hands-on it would be.”
Once the program began, participants dove headfirst into creating and managing their own government and divided into two political parties: the Nationalists and the Federalists.
“Basically, once you get there, you’re split into parties, like in the real world,” SaNyla said. “It really helps you understand how those systems work and how much organization it takes to keep everything running.”
Beyond politics and policy, both students said the experience had a lasting personal impact. For Trinity, the week became a turning point in her journey to find her voice.
“Before going, I used to get so nervous speaking in public,” Trinity said. “But my counselors kept encouraging me, they’d say, ‘You have a voice. You can do this.’ They really pushed us to get the most out of the experience.”
Trinity added that the lessons learned at Girls State go outside the walls of government.
“It’s about being an advocate for the people around you,” Trinity said. “You learn how to step out of your comfort zone. I realized that if you have an issue, you really can go to City Hall. You can be active in your government. Your voice can be heard if you’re willing to put yourself out there.”
Lead counselor Justin Estes said Girls State encourages learning about the responsibilities a citizen should consider and the overall development the experience can foster.
“I think the program can be empowering for students in terms of learning more about civic responsibility,” Estes said. I’ve seen participants bring those lessons back to Bryan High. It’s a powerful experience, and our students are always grateful for the takeaways.”
While Trinity does not plan to pursue a career in politics, she said the program changed the way she sees herself as a leader.
“It definitely made me more willing to be a leader,” Trinity said. “I think I was already social, but Girls State took it to another level. It taught me how to work with people, how to have civil discussions, and how to disagree respectfully.”
