Doing it with Passion and Purpose

Lyla W, President of Boca High School, reflects on how GlamourGals has given her a new passion for service.

GlamourGals has completely transformed my life and defined my high school experience, as well as my future. Sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to find a way to make an impact in my community. I conducted research about organizations I could potentially bring to my school, and as soon as I discovered GlamourGals and learned that 60% of nursing home residents do not receive visitors, I realized that I needed to start GlamourGals at my school.

I spent countless hours reaching out to people, making flyers, and messaging my friends and peers to join. Ultimately, we had a consistent turnout of about 20-30 volunteers at our meetings and about 10-20 at the nursing homes. We had 80 people attend our first club meeting in my senior year, and 35 attended our first nursing home visit. Seeing the massive amount of volunteers that wanted to join our mission, I was overjoyed and ready to go above and beyond this year in everything we do, and I can proudly say this has been the best year of our GlamourGals chapter yet.

Our volunteers are passionate, kind, and determined to help others and love speaking to the elderly and painting their nails. Everyone shows up to meetings and gives 100%, which is how we were able to write so many cards during the My Dear Friend Competition and win. This year, I’ve also made a powerful connection with a resident named Paul, who hugs me and says “I love you” every time I see him and paint his nails. Seeing how happy Paul and the other nursing home residents are each time we show up to do manicures reminds me of why I started GlamourGals, to make an impact and bring joy to others.