Learning to Lead While Making Friends

Kaitlyn M., St. Jean Baptiste Chapter President, shares how GlamourGals has given her a community at school and provided her with opportunities to develop her leadership skills.

GlamourGals taught me to be confident, build connections, have enthusiasm, and practice compassion. When I was a freshman, I was always nervous to talk to everyone, but GlamourGals taught me to “fake it until I make it.” When I was giving my first speech of the service year as president, I imagined I was one of the presidents of past years and managed to speak with the same excitement. GlamourGals taught me the importance of being passionate about my own goals. Having enthusiasm shows you have an interest in what the person is saying and can help you learn something new. If I happen to stutter or make a mistake during a speech, I smile and continue. I learned to practice with my script and fill in missing words naturally, as if I am having a conversation with the crowd, and now realize that mistakes help you learn. Without events such as the Power Brunch and the GlamourGals Leadership Training Institute, I never would have realized how powerful I am and how to adjust my mindset. As a leader, I motivate other volunteers in my chapter, create a vision for events, and set goals for myself and my chapter to make these events come to life.

Without GlamourGals, my high school experience would have been dull. GlamourGals helped my school community feel close-knit, as we bonded over how clever the seniors are and reached out to each other with questions–GlamourGals related or not. GlamourGals allowed me to build connections with girls younger than me so that I can connect with my school even after I graduate. I have created bonds with girls that share common interests and values as me and have become closer to the faculty at my school. GlamourGals has empowered me to build new connections and become more involved in my school community.