Becoming a Leader and Finding Community
Amelia J.Y., Townsend Harris High School Chapter President, shares how GlamourGals helped her develop her leadership skills and get involved with her school and local community.
In my freshman year of high school, I was overwhelmed by my new environment, barely participating in class and keeping my head down. Nevertheless, I braved my high school’s club fair, overflowing with people and interesting clubs to explore. GlamourGals particularly caught my eye, as their message was extremely heartwarming and sought to spread kindness. At first, I was a bit awkward with the seniors–I felt disconnected from them. However, each visit to the local senior home showed me how these seniors were normal people, just like everyone else, that deserved acknowledgment. I found confidence and community within the GlamourGals club as I spoke up more at meetings and interacted more with members. Now after being a part of the GlamourGals community, I see that leaders don’t always have to be loud, outgoing people. Leaders can also be quiet, strong, and confident–people who listen to those whose voices should be heard. Although being club president is hard work, the seniors I meet inspire me to rise to the occasion by bettering myself and aiding the growth of my fellow students. The GlamourGals club has become extremely important to me, not only because of how it has changed me to be a better leader, but the great sense of community it creates with the members and seniors. I know it will continue to grow kind, strong leaders in the future.
When I joined GlamourGals, my first concern was: I’m not very good at giving manicures. However, I saw how at every visit, giving the seniors manicures always brought smiles to their faces. During a visit to a senior home last year, one woman mentioned, “Never stop what you’re doing here. This is the nicest thing I’ve ever seen.” Her words along with the GlamourGals experience helped me realize the impact the club has and how crucial eliminating senior isolation is. These days, when prospective members at the club fair comment that they are not good at painting nails, I know that it’s not only about giving manicures, but that it’s about giving joy to seniors. That joy given to the seniors spreads back to my chapter’s members and into my school community. I am not only painting the seniors’ nails or doing their makeup, but also building companionship and friendships through conversations that allow their thoughts to be heard and their stories to be told. If my presence can help at least one senior feel heard and seen, then I am making a change.
