When growing up, we always find a place to fit in. In second grade, I made the decision to join my local Girl Scouts troop, and I was a part of the troop until I graduated high school. Now, I have a lifetime membership. Little did I know, it was going to be the best decision of my life. I became a better and stronger woman in a multitude of ways. I
I learned to be honest and fair. I learned to treat women with the most respect possible. When visiting our local camp, I did an array of things from dissecting owl pellets to examining the stars. Meanwhile, I discovered how amazing a person could be, whether they are a scientist, a coach, etc. All the women that helped us gain knowledge about the world around us was so intelligent, strong, and made such an impact on my life.
I learned to be friendly and helpful. I taught little girls how to make a "water purify-er" with blue cream soda, gummy, bears and Oreo crumbles for World Thinking Day. Their happiness was so contagious, I truly didn't mind sweeping up Oreo crumbs for hours.
I learned to be considerate and caring. I learned how to interact with people different than me, rather than judging them. One time, on a trip, a girl literally baah-d like a sheep in my ear. Yet, I turned to her and forced a laugh to be nice, and she was actually pretty cool... despite her introduction.
I learned to be courageous and strong. When I got to college, I realized how many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities I got to experience. I swam with a sweet dolphin named Jet, I have screamed my lungs out on an anti-gravity simulator, I have "outran" a dinosaur at a science center and I have slept with the fish in the Atlanta Aquarium! In Girl Scouts, life is full of adventure!!
I learned to be responsible for what I say and do. I learned to be independent, to not want to follow, to LEAD. I tried sailing, once. Sailing looks so incredible, however, if you've actually gone sailing before, you know it is a wreck (especially if you have anxiety). I hated it! But, I learned responsibility or my boat.
I learned to make a world a better place. As mentioned above, I usually attended world thinking day. During that event, I learned about women of other cultures. We ate food from other countries and became educated on things such as water purification, education, literacy, and violence in other countries. This enormous event is so life-changing and educational. You truly become aware of the people around you internationally.
Girl Scouts is such an amazing organization created by Juliette Gordon Lowe in 1912. An amazing and life-changing organization I encourage every young woman to be in!