Since 1948, the National Conference of State Societies has rewarded accomplished young women around the United States through the Cherry Blossom Program, a week-long educational, cultural and professional development opportunity in Washington D.C. tailored to those interested in political science, and have a strong desire to serve others through community service, maturity and responsibility.
Applicants are chosen based on their achievements in academics and leadership, as well as their interest in social, civic, community and world affairs. Every U.S. state selects one candidate to represent that state throughout the program.
Although Michigan’s slot is usually filled up by a student at University of Michigan, an Oakland University student, Mallory Waligora, was chosen to be Ms. New Hampshire due to her extended family living in the Granite State.
Originally used as a way to rebuild the friendship between Japan and the U.S. after World War II, the Cherry Blossom Program now focuses on cultural education and cultural exchange by going to different embassies in Washington D.C. and fostering relations between U.S. and Japan.
“The cherry blossoms are a gift from Japan to the U.S., and we planted them in D.C.,” Waligora said. “So we go during the week when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and we essentially thank Japan for the cherry blossoms, and it’s a week in honor of Japanese American relations, so that’s the main focus of the week.”
Over the course of their week in Washington D.C., the Cherry Blossom Delegates, also referred to as princesses, are tasked with various activities and volunteer opportunities promoting the National Cherry Blossom Festival, having the group of women leaders visit places such as the Embassy of Japan, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuanian, the Library of Congress and the White House.
“It was actually very, very intense, because I was working long days,” Waligora said. “We were out all day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days, and it was intense, but it was fun because all of our days were filled.”
Despite the busy schedule, Waligora found joy and excitement at every stop.
“Learning about history and learning about the monuments was such a cool experience. Going to the Japanese American memorial was so cool because I love history and I love politics. Learning about that stuff is really important, so with all the information I learned, I really tried to get something out of the week.”
Aside from the rigorous events during the day, Waligora enjoyed the little moments in her downtime.
“Obviously, we have a very strict schedule when it comes to the week, but some of the best experiences I had throughout the week were unplanned,” Waligora said. “Like going to Trader Joe’s at night to get a late night snack with my friends, like talking with someone at the bus late at night, like being stopped by random tourists at the monuments.”
A big moment for Waligora was when the Cherry Blossom Princesses visited the Japanese Ambassador’s residence for a reception.
“A lot of people stopped and talked to me, and they catered in very nice sushi,” Waligora said. “Next thing you know, I’m waiting in the sushi line, and it’s a very long line, because there’s about 600 people at the party, and right behind me is Supreme Court Justice (Samuel) Alito. I’m like, geeking out right now, because I study international relations and political science, a Supreme Court justice is behind me in the sushi line, so I talked to Justice Alito for a few minutes with these two other girls. It was the most out of body experience I’ve had. So cool.”
The night before the Cherry Blossom Festival, a gala is held for the princesses in order to pick the Cherry Blossom Queen. Due to the heavy risk of politics getting involved, a Queen is picked at random by using a giant pink wheel.
What makes the Queen stand out amongst the rest of the princesses is that she gets to represent not only her state, but travel to Japan on behalf of the U.S., meet the Prime Minister of Japan and give him a document from the president.
“I am going to France this summer, and I would be gone when the Queen would be going to Japan,” Waligora said. “So I took my name off the wheel, so I didn’t really care too much about the wheel. I was just there for vibes.”
For Waligora, the most impactful aspect of the program was meeting the other girls.
“I would say meeting all the girls throughout the week,” Waligora said. “About half of them actually stayed in D.C. and worked in D.C., like you just have to have a connection to the state. The really cool thing is about half the girls worked in D.C. or on Capitol Hill. I come to D.C. a lot, and it’s just great to know I have friends to come visit. “
According to Waligora, the qualities the program looks for is someone who is academically well rounded.
“They’re just looking for well rounded girls,” Waligora said. “They want people with internship experiences who do well in school, who are in extracurriculars and clubs, and just are overall good applicants. In general, I think an important thing is multiculturalism, understanding U.S. relations and also just having a positive attitude throughout the week.”
With so many networking opportunities surrounding the event, from current princesses to alumni, Waligora advises future participants to reach out and talk to people at the event.
“My advice would be to talk to people. I know that’s kind of obvious, but I would sit with a different girl on the bus every day, and I made really good friends with the girl who’s New Jersey because I was New Hampshire and we would line up alphabetically most times. Don’t be afraid to talk to people. You’re technically there on the behalf of the US government, so it’s your job to do that.”
For more information on the program and how to apply, visit statesocieties.org or contact Waligora at her OU email, [email protected], for questions on her experience.
“It was such a cool experience, and I totally recommend it to anyone who’s interested,” Waligora said.
