Personal Growth and Shared Wisdom
Sophia S., Mahopac High School Chapter President, reflects on how her experience with GlamourGals not only benefited seniors, but left a positive impact on her personal growth.
Throughout my high school career, I have been a vital member of the GlamourGals chapter at my school. As president of the Mahopac chapter for the past two years, I have devoted my time to ensuring my fellow members and I create intergenerational bonds, while combating senior isolation. During the pandemic, I was fortunate enough to work under the guidance of the past presidents. Collectively, we created 150+ handwritten cards to deliver to the senior citizens; we received profuse gratitude from the senior community members who felt more lonesome than ever. This landed us several articles in our local newspaper throughout the pandemic and overwhelming support. When I joined the organization, our chapter had 13 members, who have since graduated. With the help of my advisor, I have recruited numerous members and our chapter has grown to 70 members in the past two years, making GlamourGals the second largest club at my school.
GlamourGals has been a welcoming and accepting club for all students. Attending visits at local nursing homes and delivering handwritten cards to centers such as Waterview, Salem Hills, and William Koehler Senior Center has provided students with a sense of accomplishment and humility when giving back to the community they call “home.” While providing company and conversation to senior residents, I found it easy to find similarities between us. Like me, the senior ladies enjoy getting their nails and makeup done. I feel accomplished knowing my service gives them the confidence they deserve as they show their friends their manicures and ask me which colors and designs are trendy. These interactions between the seniors and myself are viewed as acts of kindness, but their company has provided me with an even greater service – wisdom and appreciation for giving back to my community.
Before I joined GlamourGals, I was a reserved individual who would rather blend in with my peers than stand out as a leader. As president of GlamourGals, I was forced to face my fear of public speaking head-on as I presented upcoming events and informed new members of the organization’s mission. My fears were further challenged as I went on my school’s loudspeaker each week to announce upcoming events. Eventually, talking in front of fellow members and to the entire school became second nature; my body and voice trembled less and less each time. From leading weekly meetings to recruiting new members at my school’s annual activity fair, I have learned to use my voice for the greater good and advocate for an organization I am passionate about. Much to my surprise, I have grown to enjoy public speaking and leadership. I am confident that my freshman year self would be proud of the confident leader I have become, and I am eternally grateful to this organization.
