Written by: Emma Ramos, Cisneros Scholar '24
This summer, I have the opportunity to work as a communications intern for Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital (GSCNC) through the Comunicadores for the Future internship program. I’m so happy to be working with an organization that I feel very close to and passionate about; I have been a Girl Scout since the fourth grade and completed my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award.
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to gain professional work experience, but especially for Girl Scouts — an organization that truly makes a difference and encourages young girls to make positive change in their communities and the world.
Over the years, I have been able to see the impactful projects that Girl Scouts have created across the country to enact change while living by two lessons I value most: 1) to make the world a better place, and 2) to leave the world better than you found it. Now as a GSCNC intern, I’m able to support GSCNC as they help the Greater Washington Region foster a sense of community and create connections around the world.
The bond between Girl Scouts is apparent in many ways, but is especially evident after a tragedy. Recently at the school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children died, fellow Girl Scout Amerie Jo Garza — who was only 10 years old — was killed. Amerie was part of my home council of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, and she loved being a Girl Scout. She was posthumously bestowed the Bronze Cross — one of the highest national honors of Girl Scouts — which is “presented when a girl has shown special heroism or faced extraordinary risk of her own life to save another’s life or an attempt to save another life.”
After a tragedy like the one in Uvalde, GSCNC can support sister Girl Scouts and sister councils in several ways. For Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, this meant posting information on ways to help — such as sending note cards and giving monetary and blood donations — and other helpful related resources. These resources and the guidance by community members, troop leaders and parents throughout the country are encouraging girls to take action in any way they can. For example, my old troop leader is involving her Girl Scout troop in making quilts for the students of Uvalde, and other Girl Scouts are making cards for friends and family of the victims, those recovering and first responders.
Hopefully, GSCNC and sister councils across the country can help the community of Uvalde heal through this tragedy.
As an older sister, Texan and fellow Girl Scout, these tragic losses were devastating. I know that in moments like these, however, GSCNC is trying to make the world a better place and leave it better than they found it, and I’m proud to be a part of their work through my Comunicadores internship there this summer.
Emma Ramos is a Cisneros Scholar majoring in International Affairs. Emma's views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.
Originally published by Vanguard Communications on June 28, 2022.