It seems nearly
unbelievable that yet another year of ALA Girls Nation senators have descended
upon Washington, D.C. I was privileged enough to be one of the Florida senators
in 2014 and am so grateful for the chance to serve on the staff again in the
capacity of dean of junior counselors. In a way, I consider it “paying it
forward”; my life was completely changed when I got the chance to attend this
program, so I make it my mission to perform to the best of my ability so that these
senators may have as life changing a week as I did. At the core of this program
is a commitment to do better every single year and that is evident in the
alumna of ALA Girls Nation.
At this turning point in history,
one that is wrought with political discourse and often times lacking faith for
the future, ALA Girls Nation has me feeling confident. This group of young
women doesn’t understand how special they are and the incredible difference
they’re going to make in the world. If being a junior counselor has taught me
anything, it is that each person has the capacity to make a difference in some
way and that it is our job to help the senators realize they have this awesome
potential. There is nothing more gratifying as a staff member than watching these
young women attain tangible growth and come out on the other end of this week
as a different person. What better way to measure the strength and legacy of a
program like ALA Girls Nation than to see growth that goes beyond their week
here, and witness change that causes them to go home a stronger person with
more passion for her country and more motivation to make a difference? ALA
Girls Nation is good in the sense that it’s a week full of riveting debates,
heated elections, and inspiring tours. ALA Girls Nation is great in the sense
that it becomes a legacy of more patriotic citizens, distinguished leaders, and
lifelong friendships.
From the outside looking in, it can
be nearly impossible to understand what this program truly means; once you’ve
gone through it, it is even more impossible to imagine how your life would have
been without it. ALA Girls Nation is so much more than a week, it is the
beginning of a journey that takes America’s best and brightest women each year
to previously unimagined heights. I am so excited for the 2017 senators to get
to experience the week that inspired my passion for leadership and service,
made me realize how important it is to serve those who’ve served our country,
and gave me some truly invaluable friendships.
My
biggest piece of advice would be to let this week have the effect it has had on
so many alumna by pouring yourself into it. That means being unafraid to grow,
even if there are challenges along the way. It is those of us who aren’t afraid
to push ourselves outside our comfort zone that will reap the benefits. Most
importantly, remember the lessons you learn this week and the perspective you
gain will be instrumental in shaping you as a strong female leader. Some people might not be optimistic about the
United State’s future or question how we’ve become so divided as a nation. These
are people who haven’t been lucky enough to meet an ALA Girls Nation senator –
a young woman who will, without a doubt, use what she learned to be a force of
change in the world.
Morgaan Jessell
Florida
Dean of Junior
Counselors, Spring Valley
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