Room 217...

Alright Michele, government functioning is over, what time is lunch again? Oh yeah I should probably go check the schedule.

Packing up to go home was bittersweet. I wanted to go home I truly did but I wanted to be with all 45 of my  JUNGE city girls.  I love you all. Through all the amazing ups and all the stressful lows, this week has taught me so much. Junge City & Close County have been so welcoming to me. From the first hour we were there when we had no power to the rain storms to the cheer we weren't allowed to do in the cafeteria to the tornado warning to the mafia game and everything in between, I have had the BEST AND MOST AMAZING TIME!! This place means a lot a lot a lot to me and I don't want to leave. The campus was gorgeous. Coming Into this I did not know what to expect at all meaning 6 months ago I have never heard of this program. Wow my Junge city girls are great and super inspiring! My wonderful GA Michele and CC Shirley put so much into this week. Thanks again for everything. 

My life has changed for the better after this. I wouldn't have changed my experience at BGS for anything in the world. She is an amazing person and God put her in my life for a reason. He called me to sign up for Buckeye Girls State on the purple (hahaha) sheet of paper knowing 4 months later, He would put me in Junge City, Close County, McMaster Hall, Second Floor with the most incredible GA any delegate would be so lucky to have. I'm glad I called and still can call her my GA. I am seriously considering coming back and using Michele as my inspiration. She touched my life in the most amazing ways possible. Michele, you taught me to stay smiling, get my work done, have fun while doing so and most importantly WE BE GUCCII! 
As I was coming into this, I had no idea what to expect. I thought it would be a fun experience to learn more and meet new people. I did not expect all these wonderful people in my life I now call my Family. Shoutout to Paula, MYKayla, Emily x3, Elizabeth, Elania, Chloe, Morlan, Sarah my Roomie and all the other wonderful girls, I'll always remember!  Michele kept us under control even at 11 at night when we were all exhausted and sweaty or at 2a m and we were playing Uno with Alison (shoutout to the sleepover squad!)
Yes, there were some stressful parts and some hilarious parts but that's what happens in real life. I truly can't believe it's over. Leaving was the worst.  We survived and we are and always always always will be Junge City Family 2015. If you are ever up in  Toledo , hit me up!
I hope  next years group of girls will be amazing but not as GUCCI as us. I wish nothing but lots of luck and smiles in the future in and outside of BGS to everyone!  
Coming into Buckeye Girls State, I had no idea how well put together it was with amazing American Legion and BGS ladies in charge. My experience was incredible. 

So to tell you all it taught me, here's 15 things I learned at Buckeye Girls State 20 15..

1. A week with such inspiring girls will go extremely fast! 

2. I made friendships in just a short amount of time to last my whole life! 

3. The jokes and silly campaign slogans will always be cherished memories, I'll never forget! 

4. My phone filled up really quickly with my new best friends' phone numbers! 

5. The county & city pride I saw  at BGS was so awesome!! We were having a lot of fun! 

6. The University of Mount Union is a beautiful campus! 

7. My Advisor, Michele, was our older sister the whole week helping us through, with a smiling face no matter what.
8.  I had the privilege to be City Council President. It was such a surprise when the girls of Junge City nominated me for office!

9. Never drink and drive, Never text and drive and Always wear your seatbelt even if it's on sidewalks!! 

10. The process of voting was a lot more detailed than I thought. Government is very important in our daily lives. 

11. I now Make sure I'm on time, never late, but it didn't hurt to be early.

12. It is so important to work together, no matter what party you are in, to get things done in an efficient manner. 

13. BGS taught me so many public speaking and communication skills. I will use going into college trying for my major in Journalism.  

14. I learned how to budget money  for each and every department in my city. 

 15. I learned to calm down, relax, have fun and smile through it all. The closing ceremony on Saturday was bittersweet. I was happy to go home. But, on the other hand, I was extremely sad to leave government functioning, all my new friends that touched my life and made me so happy, the workshops that taught me how to be the best city council president to my abilities, the cafe runs during free times, the chants we did for our cities, counties and parties. I miss it all. This past month, Going back home into reality sadly, everything reminds me of my week in Alliance. I would give anything to go back! I am seriously considering coming back on staff, and using the staff and my GA this   year as my inspiration. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! I loved it so much! Thank you! 
Thanks for everything Buckeye Girls State. You will be missed. 
 Love, Lauren Hite
Room 217