How Joy and Confidence are Contagious
Sajini K. of Susan E. Wagner Chapter reflects on how GlamourGals has helped evolve her relationships with others and with herself.
Unable to form a bond with my own grandparents, the nursing homes became a sacred place for me to visit. Through the years, my involvement has shifted from being an average volunteer, to a treasurer, public relations officer, and now president. Though the shift in roles has added more responsibilities, I am forever grateful for the ways GlamourGals has changed my life. However, knowing that my commitment to GlamourGals may have done the same for the senior citizens in the nursing homes is one that has made me feel honored.
As a GlamourGals volunteer and chapter leader, I have not only assisted my past president in celebrating a 100th birthday for a senior resident, but I have also contributed to videos made by my chapter’s previous president and a video made for current GlamourGals volunteers. This year, I have also led my chapter in writing over 150 cards for the senior citizens and nurses and have personally delivered them to three nursing homes. I have also reached out to several nursing homes and students at my school to further the impact my GlamourGals chapter can have in my community and beyond.
At my first GlamourGals meeting, my hair was in a tight ponytail, my clothes were still wet from the swim practice I had just left, and I was a mess. Not only did the idea of painting nails terrify me, but my introverted-self hated the pressure of having to interact with complete strangers. I was shaking with fear, thinking to myself “everyone is going to hate me, I can’t be in GlamourGals!” Yet, little did I know that GlamourGals would go on to change my life. Since my very first meeting, I have learned precious life lessons that have helped me see the value in civic engagement and intergenerational relationships. These lessons have taught me to always be grateful and kind. These lessons have encouraged me to gain a sense of confidence, and realize the beauty of generosity. These lessons have helped me develop into the woman I am today, and encouraged me to form a more concrete plan for my future that includes me creating a non-profit organization of my own. Every GlamourGals meeting I have attended has prompted me to leave the bubble I had formed for myself through the years. I no longer fear the idea of talking to complete strangers. Forming intimate bonds with an individual within minutes of first meeting them is a concept that I have become much more comfortable with. And finding trust in others is a quality that I have gained. Through the years, my involvement with GlamourGals has sparked a sense of confidence within me, and in a world where men continue to impose their superiority, the empowerment I have felt as a member has allowed me to see that I am more than what others claim I am. This empowerment has even encouraged me to speak up against injustices happening at my own school.
In the future, I plan to take every life lesson and traits I have learned from GlamourGals and put them into action. GlamourGals has changed this little, no longer introverted, girl’s life, and it would be a privilege to come back in the future and change someone else’s.
I live in the culturally diverse and accepting city of New York City. It is a place where Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have noted to be where dreams are made. A concrete jungle, almost, with loving and completely unbiased people. Unfortunately, however, I live in Staten Island, or the “forgotten borough.” The stares I receive while walking down the street and the subtle comments that whisper in my ears may convey the culture of judgement that has risen within this borough. This culture of judgement and the ways in which people have chosen to prioritize themselves has led to many individuals being deprived of a chance at living a joyful life. This is especially evident in the resident homes where senior citizens are often filled with a sense of abandonment and are ignored by the rest of society. In a borough like Staten Island, it is almost essential to have people care for those who are underprivileged and are forgotten. GlamourGals has helped repair the bonds senior citizens have had with younger generations, and has allowed them to feel loved and beautiful. As a GlamourGals volunteer, and now President, I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to bring joy to others. GlamourGals has made it possible for many of these senior citizens to regain their happiness and to feel confident in a world where beauty has been given a single definition.
