From Classroom to Capitol

There is a statistic that women need to be asked seven times before making a decision to run for a position.

For Ysabella Olsen, senior, this statistic was only motivation once she was selected to represent Missouri at Girls Nation. Olsen was among 600 girls who attended Girls State this summer, but only one of two who went on to Girls Nation. 

“A lot of people had told me I should run for president. I wanted to honor these people and step up and try,” said Olsen. “It was a very difficult decision.”

As the campaign for president began, about 14 girls had slated themselves out for president. After multiple rounds of extemporaneous questions, speeches and whistle stops, Olsen had done her part; now it was up to the parties to vote.

“When I won, I was all pumped up, it was so crazy because I was so thankful but also proud of the work my party had put in,” Olsen said. “But I was also thankful for the other party, because I knew I had to get some of their votes to win, and thankful to gain their trust.”

Being the president of Girls Nation has opened up a surplus of opportunities for Olsen, including speaking at the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Olsen’s determination is the epitome of incredible women countering the statistics. For Olsen, it only took one person to ask her before she stepped up to the challenge, and her legacy will inspire so many people following in her footsteps.