Guest post from Maria, Girl Scout alum, Girl Scout Volunteer, and currently serving in the Air Force.
It took confidence to make it through basic training. I never gave up, although there were numerous times I wanted to. There’s actually an outdoor series of obstacles called the confidence course that tests everything you’ve ever learned about outdoor challenges. Girls Scouts taught me to embrace outdoor activities so I wasn’t scared at all. It took character to become a good role model and leader. A few years after enlisting, I won the prestigious Airman of the Year award for my entire region. If good character had not been instilled in me from my parents and Girl Scouting, my career in the military would not have been as successful as it was.
From Girl Scouts to the Air Force to now, I embrace the Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law to build relationships. Girl Scouting was my first introduction to diversity and inclusion, and I’m constantly rewarded both at work and at home for my role. It is an honor to serve as a volunteer for my daughter’s troop and it gives me a great sense of appreciation for the opportunity to help build girls of courage, confidence, and character.