Unaware of the day’s agenda, a small group of high school girls gathered on a crisp autumn morning at the base of a trailhead in Beaver Creek. “Where are we going? … How long will we be hiking? … We’re going all the way up there? … I’m not sure I really even like hiking” Questions only natural for teenagers at a time when they could otherwise easily be sleeping. Although the details of the day remained uncertain, they took comfort in knowing one thing – they would be together.
This would be the first of many organized activities implemented by The Youth Foundation’s newest programs, Girl PowHER and DREAM First. Through a wide variety of physical activity, nutrition and guidance, Girl PowHER unleashes potential and provides infinite possibilities for each girl, and as a result, creates a new culture of fit, confident, self-reliant, smart young women! DREAM First is a pre-collegiate program that matches talented youth with opportunities outside of school to learn how to achieve their goals for college, and beyond, through monthly workshops and one-on-one meetings. It was the perfect fit!
Feeling refreshed and revived from our trek, and right on schedule, we headed onto our next adventure. The plan was to have some lunch and share with the group a bit about the important people and activities in our lives and what motivates us, including our passions and our hesitations. Staying on schedule was the easy part -- developing an environment comfortable and safe enough to discuss these important issues? The girls quickly dispelled that concern!
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Ambrose Redmoon
I was not only inspired by the things that mattered to each girl, but also in how each account was delivered with passion and enthusiasm. These girls were excited to tell their story, but even more, they were grateful that their voice was being heard. It went beyond silly stories from their childhood or tragic turning points in their lives. What it came down to was the fact they were given the opportunity and platform to dream.
Just for a moment, the authenticity was in the realm of possibilities and in the journey of the dream. Whether unspoken or shared aloud, we all felt it.
The Possibilities … The Dreams
Either way, it sure beats sleeping in.
Anne-Marie Desmond, Girl PowHer Coordinator
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