I didn't quite know what to expect. I didn't know if the girls were going to be open to talking about life and absorbing what was given to them. I constantly questioned whether or not I had done everything I'd been asked to do. I worried about it all coming together smoothly. But when the day came all my nerves were settled and I knew I had to be focused on doing whatever needed to be done.
Well the conference has come and gone and it was great. The group of girls, most of whom knew nothing of each before the event, left with an understanding that through Sisters of Today and Tomorrow they will always have a support system.
When the day commenced all the girls stay quietly scattered across the auditorium. They grumbled when I asked them to all come together so I could see everyone at once, but that was the last of the complaints. Instead of opening with a spiel about why they were there and more boring stuff they expected to have to listen to I put the ball in their court by inviting someone to introduce themselves.
The youngest conference participant volunteered to go first. She introduced herself and told us that her birthday was tomorrow. SHE WAS ADORABLE!! (The group really bonded over how cute she was.) Following her suit, some more readily than others, everyone introduced themselves and eventually the conversation moved to future career paths. Two young ladies revealed that they wanted to go to school for what I'm in school for right now and of course I shamelessly told them how wonderful University of Georgia is and invited them to come spend some time with me in Athens to see for themselves. (I will NEVER pass up an opportunity to recruit a new Dawg!)
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| My (Hopeful) Future Georgia Dawgs! |
As the group continued to share their dreams I realized how important groups like SOT are to helping these young ladies make their goals into realities. SOT puts them in a place to share their stories and be encouraged to accomplish whatever it is they are aspiring to do. While I was in high school I was always cheered on by my family, friends, and supporters that believed in me because they saw something special, but some girls aren't blessed to have such a team behind them. SOT is taking the steps to be that team.
So early in the day my eyes had been opened to the potential greatness surrounding me.
While the girls moved on to the days events I ran around the city, tying up loose ends and getting ready for the duration of the day. The hours flew by and it was then time for the "Sister Circle".
The conversation with successful women of Atlanta and the girls of SOT started off with the adults doing most of the talking and the girls doing the listening, but eventually the tides turned. One of the girls was moved to tears while reflecting on what was being said and how it compared to her life. She shared details of the obstacles she's faced and it broke my heart. The thing she confided in us should not have to be dealt with by anyone!
Because of her courage to speak up the group came closer in establishing that as women we were all there for each other to act as a support system. It taught me that even though I am capable of doing it all, whatever it is, by myself I don't have to. Their are women in my life that are willing to help me carry the load so that I don't have to deal with the burden.
Even if the girls were made to be their by their parents or whoever I really think that they took something with them that they never expected to gain. I know for me it was the realization that Sisters of Today and Tomorrow is making a difference and, since I am a part of SOT, I am as well.
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| The Whole Group! |
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