Open Minded Makeovers

Mirika P., a volunteer for the Amador Valley High School GlamourGals Chapter, explains the importance of listening to the stories and perspectives of seniors, although they may differ from her own opinions.

In my freshman year, I joined GlamourGals on a whim. While giving makeovers, my ultimate mission was to spread kindness towards the senior residents, who often had few visitors, and help combat social isolation. I loved these visits because of the unique perspectives I gained, and I also loved communicating with senior homes, organizing visits, and recruiting new members.

When I encountered seniors with opposing political viewpoints, I would remind myself that this is somebody’s grandmother and that her experiences informed her views. I enjoyed listening to stories about their lives and the history of my small town. By the end of the makeover, she may not have changed my views, but I was able to understand where she was coming from.

As I grapple with differing perspectives, I try to keep the human in mind and understand the person’s unique context. This deeper understanding of the issues at hand leads to more meaningful dialogue and productive conversations, a useful experience even if neither one changes their mind.

In the future, I want to continue to deliberately expose myself to opposing perspectives and embrace the differences in the student body. This way, we are better able to understand each other and work towards meaningful solutions for complex issues, together – a message GlamourGals has taught me.