Reveal

50 States of Mind

12 snips
Jun 7, 2025
Shima Oliaee, a seasoned reporter and host of The Competition, and Amy Pham, a determined competitor from Tennessee and daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, dive deep into the intense world of the Distinguished Young Women competition. They explore the dreams and challenges facing young women, particularly in the wake of the Roe v. Wade decision. The conversation touches on navigating personal beliefs amidst competition, the powerful bonds of friendship, and the role of advocacy and art in a politically charged environment.
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ANECDOTE

Contestants' Impressive Backgrounds

  • The 50 contestants at the Distinguished Young Women competition include exceptional talents like a cancer-curing hopeful and an Illinois flutist with the Chicago Symphony.
  • Amy Pham from Tennessee feels humbled meeting such high-achieving peers who run businesses and hold multiple leadership roles.
ANECDOTE

Code Reveals Roe Overturn

  • The contestants use a secret code to learn from a day mom that Roe v. Wade was overturned, which triggers emotional responses including tears and hugs.
  • This historic Supreme Court decision unexpectedly unites and divides the young women during the competition, revealing their varied personal stakes.
INSIGHT

Decision Creates Divide

  • The Roe v. Wade ruling revealed a divide among the girls, splitting them along political lines into conservative and liberal groups.
  • This event exposed tensions they hadn’t acknowledged before, complicating their friendships and the competition’s dynamic.
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