Skills Learnt Through GlamourGals
Joelle G., Co-president of the Bloomfield High School Chapter, shares how GlamourGals has impacted her and her community.
In the beginning of my GG journey, I was a little shy because of the simple fact that I wasn’t sure what we would have to talk about. Through my in person visits with the senior residents, I soon realized this was not true at all. I had some of the most wonderful conversations and received the best advice from the seniors and I enjoyed listening to their stories about their lives and families. I will never forget when one story included they were the last surviving family member and they had no other visits but ours once a month. I then really understood the importance and the true meaning of our visits. The manicures, the crafts we did with them, the flowers and gifts we made were nice gestures but for them it was just about us being there and sharing the day with them. I have come out of my shell, if you will, all thanks to GlamourGals.
I have developed leadership skills through GlamourGals because I learned that when things get tough, like the global pandemic putting a halt on everything, you cannot give up! I have learned the importance of staying optimistic and positive so that it reflects on the volunteers in my chapter. I have learned how to be outgoing and communicable with all ages. I have met some of the most influential and kind-hearted people through GG. Whether that be Rachel herself, the seniors at my local nursing home, guest speakers at GG events, or my fellow volunteers, all have been such an influence and inspiration to me. The GG experience has molded me into the person I am today and I am so grateful for that. GG taught me the importance of service above self and as a leader and an individual, I have grown so much and learned responsibility, determination, loyalty, compassion and the true importance of community.
What started out 3 years ago for me as an interesting new club at my school giving manicures and companionship to seniors at our local nursing home, has turned into many life lessons for me. Since the club started, it was very popular at my school and only the first 15 people who signed up could go that month. I was very dedicated and always made sure I was on the list and able to go. To form true friendships and be recognizable to the seniors was important to me.
Last year in May, I found out I was going to be Co-President my senior year and couldn’t be more excited. However, we had just entered the pandemic and visits had stopped. By July, I knew it was serious and it would be a while before things went back to normal. I started brainstorming and asked the home what we could do for them. It broke my heart and, as a leader, I was determined to let the seniors know we were still there for them. The home suggested crossword books and we made #MyDearFriend Letters. This is also when I got the idea to write a monthly GG Newsletter. I wrote the prototype for the first issue in October and it was a success! It has become a fun and interactive way for the senior residents to learn about our volunteers, read monthly articles and enjoy riddles. Each month since, we have either brought letters, flowers, or handmade gifts with our newsletter.
GlamourGals is very important to my community. Our first visit was so touching because of how appreciated and loved the seniors felt. I could tell some of them do not get many visitors and it made me feel so needed. Many of our usual seniors looked forward to the GlamourGals coming. It truly was some of the seniors' only source of happiness. I feel like this club teaches the youth to respect our elders and that is extremely important. GlamourGals has made such an impact on my community and I am confident that it will stay around for generations to come.
