A New World Perspective
Ashley, the Thomas E. Edison High School Chapter President, reflects on how her GlamourGals experience introduced her to a different side of the world.
When I first started off as a GlamourGals volunteer during my freshman year, I was shy and did not feel comfortable communicating with others. I felt like I lived in a box. I lacked awareness of how many elderly live in nursing homes and how they felt while living there. GlamourGals paved the way for me to see a different side of the little world I lived in. Going to Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, I realized that many seniors just wanted someone to talk to about their day. Some seniors just wanted to be pampered but did not have anyone to do it for them.
The mission of GlamourGals is to end elderly isolation, and it has worked to make sure that no one feels left out and alone. There is always someone there to listen to the seniors and comfort them even in tough times. At these nursing homes or facilities, the nurses and staff working there can not always sit and have a full conversation with them or even take the time to apply nail polish for them. GlamourGals allows the staff there to focus on the health needs of the senior citizen, while the volunteers assist with a conversation with them and taking care of the seniors’ other needs such as doing their nails. GlamourGals emphasizes how important it is for everyone, especially the younger generation to dedicate time to serve the senior citizens of our community.
I have been a GlamourGals leader for two years and in those years I have served the seniors by planning events for the holidays at the nursing home for them. In addition to painting their nails and giving them makeovers, I organized a holiday bingo with balloons in December and created flower gifts for the seniors in the spring. These little activities that are created simply brighten up their day. Being in GlamourGals has also taught me that a position doesn’t matter, it is what you do that matters. One has to work as a group and give their full cooperation because things won't get done if everyone does not pitch in. As a leader, it has influenced me to make sure things are not forgotten and other volunteers are not left out. My experience with GlamourGals has taught me the importance of dedicating time and giving back. It has also turned my weaknesses into my strengths and made me more compassionate, caring, and patient.
