Finding Purpose and Connection Through GlamourGals

Lily L., GlamourGals Vice President at Bay Port High School, shares how GlamourGals helped her find purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the start of my freshman year of high school, I was eager to get involved in extracurricular activities and discovered GlamourGals. Inspired by their mission, I was drawn to help because of my personal experience with loved ones in assisted living facilities. There are only so many activities available for them, making the sense of loneliness very visible. However, my freshman year coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, posing unique challenges. Despite these obstacles, our chapter took initiative by launching card campaigns to send messages of encouragement to seniors. I spent countless hours crafting cards themed around the seasons and dropping them off at nursing facilities for distribution. In addition to cards, we made door hangers, decorations, and painted sun-catchers to brighten their windows. These small gestures helped the perplexing feelings that isolation brought to many during such uncertain times.

Throughout my four years of high school, I remained an active member of our GlamourGals chapter. Toward the end of my junior year, we were thrilled to resume in-person activities, including our first manicure session with the senior citizens since the pandemic began. These moments allowed me to create meaningful connections with the residents, turning monthly visits into cherished reunions. Each visit strengthened our bonds and highlighted the importance of human connection, especially for those in assisted living facilities. Looking back, my involvement with GlamourGals not only helped reduce senior isolation but also enriched my high school experience, teaching me the value of compassion and community engagement.