By Michaela W., Girl Scout from Troop #945

At Girl Scouts, we believe girls can change the world. We help show them they’re capable of more than they ever imagined and help them develop skills and confidence that will last a lifetime. Our girl-lead programs are designed to empower and encourage girls to pursue their passions and explore the world around them – all while having a ton of fun and making lifelong friends. However, the best people to tell their stories are the girls themselves!

Girl Scout Michaela W. wrote an essay on her Girl Scout experience as part of the SECU Scholarship application and was selected to receive $5,000 in scholarship funds. We’re excited to share parts of her essay about how Girl Scouting made a huge impact on her life and leadership development.

“It is a common occurrence for people to tell you to “do something that will look good on your college application.” But I’ve never been satisfied with doing something just for self-serving gains. I want to be involved with a cause that is important to me so I can look back on my accomplishments later and be proud, not just because it helped me get into a prestigious college or helped me get a decent job, but because it taught me something real.

When I was about nine years old I joined Girl Scouts. We quickly found Troop #945 and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I credit the ten years I spent in that troop with giving me some of the best experiences of my life.

You can write down “ten years of community service through Girl Scouts of USA” on your resume, but that’s not what really matters. What matters are the little things, like the smile and excitement on an eight-year-old’s face when she finally figures out how to roll up her sleeping bag. It’s sitting around a campfire and feeling the accomplishment of a long day of teaching little girls how to grow up to be strong, independent women. Girl Scouts has not only taught me how to be a leader, it has also brought me some of my most cherished friends and has made me who I am today.”

Michaela’s experience perfectly illustrates why we do what we do – build girls of courage, confidence, and character. Are you inspired by her story and ready to explore the world in Girl Scouts? Join us to discover your interests and your chance to do big things!

Join Girl Scouts