The Power of Conversation

Ananya G., President at Livingston High School’s chapter, shares her personal growth and an impactful experience revealing to her the power of conversation.

After moving from Hong Kong to the United States, I was astounded by the opportunities presented to me at the gymnasium of my new high school. Since freshman year, I have been part of GlamourGals. I have grown from a nervous, quiet, awkward 14-year-old to someone who now leads the Livingston chapter of a national organization. GG has offered me a safe environment to flourish into the confident young adult I hoped to be, but never knew I could become in a foreign country. 

I will never forget November 28th, 2021, a Thanksgiving visit. I sat beside a resident and had my first conversation as a volunteer. She spoke of her constantly moving during her childhood and how she immigrated to the US, leaving her family behind. Her story reflected mine. That visit reminded me how many shared experiences go unnoticed because we fail to spend time connecting. While GG has taught me numerous lessons, I feel enriched with the knowledge of the power of a conversation. GG has given me the confidence to find my voice and the empathy to connect and listen to others.