This post was inspired by the book Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, a novel that exposes the Gothic underbelly of an American Dynasty, and an outsider's hunger to belong. Join From Left to Write on May 20 as we discuss Bittersweet. As a member I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
In 1975 I was chosen by the American Legion to attend Girls State. Girls State is a leadership program designed by the American Legion to increase awareness and knowledge of governmental processes while learning about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of citizenship. As a Girls State delegate I was chosen to go to Sacramento after writing an essay and going through multiple interviews by members of the American Legion. It was a huge honor for me and a great experience.
It was also my first time ever away from home, away from my parents, the first time ever of not sleeping in my own bed with my sister by my side. It was awesome!!! Bet you thought I was going to say it was scary right? Or that I got homesick? No Way! It was one of the best experiences of my life.
My parents sent me off on a Greyhound bus with several others girls from local schools. It was a long bus ride from Brawley, CA to Sacramento, CA and the bus stopped in every single little town along the way, but I was mesmerized! I had never been any further North than Anaheim! I loved seeing all the small towns and big cities.
Once we got there we had to handle all our own suitcases and deal with finding out what dorm room we had been assigned to and who our roommates were going to be. I wish I had thought to have a blog back in high school and that I had written about this experience because I have forgotten most of it. But what I do remember is the camaraderie and the feelings of being a part of something with the other girls. We would gather after dinner to hear a speaker and we would sing songs and stand, arm in arm, swaying and laughing and crying.
When we all had to leave each other it was heart breaking! We had all grown so close and we swore to always keep in touch. Well that didn't happen, unfortunately. But it was a great experience and it was great for someone as shy as I used to be to go through the process, the interviews and then being away from home and family and with complete strangers. But I did it and I grew and I am a better person for having had the experience. I'm glad my parents gave me wings and let me fly!
What was your first time away from home? College, military, marriage?
Neat memories! My first time away from home was a road trip I took by myself. I drove to Cape Hatteras NC with stops at Virginia Beach, Washington DC, and a friends place near Philadelphia. I was gone for a week, by myself the whole time except for the last day when I visited my friend.
ReplyDeleteI learned that not only could tolerate being alone but I rather liked it. It served me well for well for my later experience in the military and business trips in my working career.
That sounds more severe than it actually is. I am good on a business trip for a week. Into the second week, I start missing my wife, and by third week I am thoroughly depressed missing my wife. No longer an issue since I retired. We are together 24-7, and some how she seems to tolerate me being underfoot.
I have yet to take a trip just by myself, I've always had family with me. I think I would love to just take a road trip...I'll add that to my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteI think we could all tolerate being a way from those we love for a few days but after a while you do start to miss them. You and your wife have a very unique relationship and I'm sure she's very happy to have you 24/7!
I went to boarding school for a year, in fifth grade so that was probably my first time away from home by myself. It definitely was not my last, though! What a great memory to have, sounds like a real adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy for stopping by. Yes, it was a great adventure even thought I don't remember details. I do remember the trip and being on my own and the sense of camaraderie!
DeleteI'll bet that experience whet your appetite for new experiences and new friends.
ReplyDeleteMy first time away was to teach in a mission in the north - a long flight and then a day-long bus ride in a terrible bus with no bathroom. It was full of loggers going back to work after their days off - some were drunk and some were sick. It was a pretty grim day, but they didn't come near me or bother me at all. I think I'm going to have to blog about it!
Well I can't wait! lol. That sounds like a great post and a great adventure! Thanks for commenting!
DeleteI attended my state's Girls State too. I wasn't allowed to attend sleepovers and that was such a fun camp experience! It was also when I realized I didn't want to get into politics.
ReplyDeleteReally Kim? Wow, that is so cool. Other than all the girls I went with I've never met another Girls Stater! It was fun and a great experience.
ReplyDeleteMy first time away from home alone (and first plane ride) was a trip to Valley Forge, PA after winning an essay contest. Still remember that like yesterday. My folks were a nervous wreck. Not only away from home but on an airplane. Yikes! But, so glad they pressed past and let me go.
ReplyDeleteWow! I entered lots of essay contest in my day but never won a trip in an airplane! How fun for you. I love parents that are brave enough to let their kids soar! Thanks for commenting!
DeleteI'll have to remember this for my daughter, I never went but it sounds like a great experience.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great experience. Here's a list of some of the women that are well known that actually participated in this program:
DeleteNancy Brown Park: American Legion Auxiliary National President 2013-2014
Jane Pauley: Broadcast Journalist
Ann Richards: Former Governor of Texas
Jessica Mitchell: VP of Design/Director of Apparel for Liz Claiborne
Barbara Cubin: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Wyoming
Michelle Johnson, Brigadier General : First Female Wing Commander, U.S. Air Force Academy and current deputy director of the Joint Staff's War on Terrorism, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate at the Pentagon
Connie Morella: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland
Terri Utley: Former Miss U.S.A. 1982
Kate Shindle: Former Miss America 1998, Actress, Singer, Dancer
Jennifer Dunn: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Washington
Michele Jackman*: US Army Service Award, the “Civilian Service Medal” and government agencies trainer
Sandra Dorsey Rice*: Vice President, Emma Bowen Foundation
Jessica Carroll, 2nd Lieutenant: Tennessee National Guard Airman of the Year for 2009
Becky Skillman: Lt. Governor of Indiana
Connie Lawson: Indiana Congresswoman
Erika Dunlap: Miss America 2004; participant on Amazing Race 15
Lynne Cheney: Wife of Vice President Richard Cheney
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, South Dakota
Kaye Bye: 2-time US Women's Hockey Team medalist (Gold 1998, Silver 2002)
Leeza Gibbons: Talk show host and reporter
What a fascinating program. I had no idea this existed, but how perfect for you. I first went away from home when I visited a friend from Belgium after we'd moved back to the States when I was 8. I flew from Chicago to Boston and then with them to Florida and then home to Chicago. I was gone a month. I can't imagine doing that for my 8 year old daughter now - nor my 10 year old son!
ReplyDeleteWow, alone? At 8? Yeah, that was quite an adventure. Have you blogged about it? I imagine you have some pretty great stories about the trip.
DeleteIt happened when I was 12 years old. I participated in a literary contest which was held in a town away from my hometown. I remember I wasn't happy with my room-mates as they were a bit older than me and kind of arrogant. However, I was fascinated by a trip we took in the mountains surrounding that place.
ReplyDelete12 is pretty young too for a trip alone without family. Like me you also were happy with the landscape you got to see. Thanks for commenting DUTA!
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