Emily You ’14

When Emily You ’14 started her undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University, she anticipated being on the pre-med track. But when she didn’t find those classes fulfilling, she had a change of heart. She pursued a degree in political science, a move that she now says was heavily influenced by her time at GPS—and at Girls State.

 

You’s interests were sparked during her time at Volunteer Girls State, a leadership program operated through the American Legion Auxiliary that empowers young women to become confident, informed citizens and voters. Its mission dovetails with the curriculum and support GPS provides—and You found connection in unexpected places.

 

“One of my biggest influences at GPS was [head of Upper School] Jenise Gordon, who is the Volunteer Girls State Director of Citizenship,” You says. “While at Girls State I saw all that she did, how passionate she was about citizenship and showing girls they have the potential to do whatever they want to do.”

 

Similarly, You was encouraged by GPS Faculty Emeriti Honoree Suzanne Smartt, a longtime volunteer at Girls State. During You’s Girls State experience, she was elected as governor, a top honor.

 

“After I attended Girls State the summer before senior year, they really supported me and believed in me,” You says. “They wanted what’s best for me and helped guide me on the path I’m on now. That’s where GPS does such a good job.”

 

After graduating from Vanderbilt, You received one of five Tennessee Governor’s Management Fellowship positions, a highly competitive, two-year program designed to recruit and expose young graduates to a high-level perspective of state government. After the first year of the program, she was placed in the Department of Economic and Community Development to work on rural broadband issues. She assists with the state broadband grant program as well as leads projects on issues such as digital literacy.

 

“I would love to see how we can expand access to everyone in Tennessee,” You says. “While the [grant] program is focused on infrastructure, I’d like to see how we can make digital literacy and broadband a part of community development as well.”

 

You has found a lot of success in the fellowship so far, receiving feedback about how well she helps others feel welcome and a part of the projects she’s involved with. She attributes those soft skills to GPS and its all-girls environment.

 

“GPS emphasizes the advantages of a single-sex education,” You says. “My education showed me where women excel, especially in regard to soft skills and emotional intellect. That goes a long way in the workplace when it comes to effective leadership and has helped me get to where I am now—recognized as empathetic and compassionate in what I do. I first received that support from GPS, and it has shaped who I am today.”

 

You remains inspired and appreciative of the strong messages she received from GPS teachers and peers: to accomplish whatever she decides to do.

 

“When you’re at GPS, it’s such a formative time. You might struggle with self-esteem and how you identify yourself to the world,” You says. “But the messages of empowerment are extremely important to carry on as you go into the world after GPS.”