A week that influenced a college decision

Posted On: Monday, 14 July 2025

Attending ALA Hoosier Girls State profoundly changed the trajectory of my life,” said Kennedy Gerber, who attended in 2022 and has returned twice as a counselor. “Being in an environment with other powerful girls made me realize I wanted to attend an all-female college.” After the program, Gerber applied to several women’s colleges because she loved the energy she experienced at ALA Girls State.
 
In May, Gerber completed her sophomore year at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. Gerber says that if she hadn’t attended ALA Hoosier Girls State, she wouldn’t have considered applying to Bryn Mawr. Now, she can’t imagine going to college anywhere else. Gerber is a double major studying history and public health.
 

How did attending ALA Hoosier Girls State influence your career goals?
It influenced me to center my public health career goals around public policy. I discovered my interest in policy serving at ALA Girls State. I plan to attend graduate school for either public health or epidemiology and work for a government agency.
 
What is something you learned from the program that sticks with you today?
It made me realize the power of local elections. I have now voted in every election since I’ve been eligible, and I hope to continue performing my civic duties for life.
 
Why do you return as an ALA Hoosier Girls State counselor? 
I want to help girls realize their full potential. I went to a disadvantaged rural high school. No one was really doing what I wanted to do, and it was isolating. As a counselor, I get to encourage the girls to chase their dreams. I want to be a voice of support and encouragement for the girls who may not be getting it from their schools and peers.
 
What is something you know now that you wish you would have known when you attended ALA Girls State?
To take risks. I was afraid of trying something and failing, but that’s the point of ALA Girls State — even when you lose an election, you are surrounded by so much support and so many friends.
 
What was your favorite thing about ALA Hoosier Girls State?
I loved getting to form relationships with girls from all over the state. I learned so much about so many different people, and I’m still in touch with them to this day. 

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In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.