Who Am I?

I’ve never had any big dreams or illusions about being on Broadway or anything. Not that it wasn’t possible, I just didn’t have the drive for it. In Pre-K and Kindergarten, that’s what everyone wanted. Fame, attention, stardom...but mostly attention.

Other kids dreamed about preforming on the big stage, but I was too introverted and camera shy to even think about it. I dreamed of fashion designing. I bought heaps of fabrics, and sewed a multitude of doll outfits.

That doesn’t feel like me anymore.

Dreams change.

People change.

I changed.

By 2nd grade, everyone I knew had a purpose or a passion, except me. Some kids competed in sports, played instruments, or even went to math competitions. I dabbled in everything, but just couldn’t find anything “special.” I started wondering-who am I? I dreamed of finding something that I loved.

Then my mom brought me to a Girl Scouts meeting. Not having anything better to do with my time, I stayed. After just a few meetings, I knew that my troop would always support me. It was new to me, having a group of girls that I could go to for anything.

My first year in Girl Scouting was compromised of crafts. Then I moved up a grade, and I started to truly grasp the concept of Girl Scouting. I started doing badges on my own. I went around interviewing friends (with no explanation), and they thought that I was weird. Adults wondered why I acted as a mediator for my peer’s arguments, instead of staying out of them.

My troop constantly worked on the normal badges, but I wanted to make a difference outside of my community. I never thought it would be possible, until my troop leader presented me with the opportunity.

The bronze award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn, by making a lasting change in the world. My troop leader offered my troop the chance to do an award-worthy project. The task? Compile lots of school supplies that people don’t need anymore, and send them to schools in Haiti.

I didn’t even know what Haiti was, but I decided to do it anyway. I spent a total of 20 hours digging under couch pillows, drawers, even in my friend’s bags for extra supplies to send. After we took time to sort the supplies, we shipped them off.

I stood up straight and proud at my award ceremony. I stood spotlighted in the middle of the stage, holding a little plastic box with the badge in it. I guess I had my own little Broadway moment after all.

In middle school, I finally looked up where Haiti was. I realized that just one supply can make someone’s education so much more meaningful. Learning that made me feel on top of the world. I had finally found my calling.

Who am I?

I am a dreamer,

I am a student,

I am a friend,

I am a Girl Scout,

And so much more.