Finding Purpose Through Service

Public Relations Officer Ariella J. of Bayside High School chapter shares a special makeover memory and the impact that GlamourGals has had on her personal and professional development.

Growing up, my great-grandmother always joked with me about sending her off to a nursing home. To her, nursing homes were a sad, quiet place where she’d be left all alone in her last years of life. That perception was stuck in the back of my mind when I was sitting in the back of the classroom of my first GG meeting. From the moment I stepped into my first senior home visit, my life was changed. I saw GlamourGals as an opportunity to rewrite that narrative. I’ll never forget Ms. Luz, who was one of the first seniors I bonded with. She’d tell me stories about her childhood nights in Waikiki, how the fire torches lit up the dark night sky, and the way she watched native dancers move their hips to the beat of the drums, all while I was painting her nails a bright blue color. I will cherish those memories with me through everything I do in life. 

I’ve always been a very compassionate and nurturing person and GlamourGals provided and outlet for me to use those traits in the fight against senior isolationism As time went on, I became more and more involved with my school's chapter, attending more meetings, signing up for every visit and even attending GGNationals iconic events like power brunch and last year’s Glammy’s. I was fortunate enough to have gained the secretarial position of my school's chapter in my junior year. GlamourGals gave me purpose. Not only did they spark a passion in me to join the fight against senior isolation through meaningful interactions, but they also helped me become the person I am today. I’ve learned to uplift the women around me, those my age and in the generations before me.