Entire Issue - Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

made history when winning a match against a man. Listening to these
women speak and meeting other accomplished Girl Scouts were the most
>
news | spark
in her words
by Ying Ying S.
I used to think of the White House as
somewhere remote, unattainable—
somewhere a girl like me could never
reach. When I thought of the White
House, I would always begin my
sentences with “I can’t,” whether it
was, “can’t visit there” “can’t work there,” or “can’t do
by Sara P.
When I first heard I was invited to go to the White House
something great there.” I’ve always been interested in
government, but always discounted my own ability to
achieve there.
for the celebration of Title IX’s 40th anniversary, I was
overcome with excitement and anticipation. I couldn’t
believe I was among seven girls chosen to attend the
commemoration of landmark legislation that has made
possible all of the success I enjoy today. When we entered
the room in which the program would be held, I was in
awe of all the powerful and successful women who were
around me. My only hope is that I can take the advice and wisdom they
shared with us and utilize it to become as successful and talented as
them. To me, that is the greatest way to honor and commend all they
had accomplished, and how their efforts paved the path to greatness for
all future generations of girls in whatever they aspire to be.
But Girl Scouts changed that. After meeting speakers
like Tina Tchen, Valerie Jarrett, and listening to Billie
Jean King, who recounted a day and age when girls
truly couldn’t only because they weren’t allowed to, I
began to appreciate the legacy that Title IX has left us
today. The breakout session I attended cemented the
lesson. The session was led by a woman who at the
beginning of her career was continuously told by men
that she “can’t,” but her advice to us girls was to “just
work really hard” and we would rise, no matter what
people said.
By Christina D.
Attending the Title IX 40th Anniversary
It’s time for me to tell myself, “I can.” And thanks to
Girl Scouts, I can now say, “Visit the White House?
Yeah. I did.”
celebration at the White House was
an experience I will never forget. Just
By Ingrid R.
being able to say that I spent the day
in the Dwight D. Eisenhower building
with numerous influential women is
something special in itself. Title IX is
meaningful to me and allows me to
pursue my educational goals. I love the
sciences and mathematics, so it was
inspiring to see women talk about how Title IX helped them breakout in
careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Women in our time are more involved in these STEM jobs and are
making notable advances in these areas as well. Notable speakers of
the day included Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman
to enter space, and Billie Jean King, professional tennis player who
It was an honor to represent Girl Scouts at the Title
IX event at the White House! It was an amazing
experience to meet women who earned Olympic medals
and achieved success in science & technology. They’re
such good role models and down to earth too. The
speakers encourged us
not to be intimidated by
anyone and to pursue what
we’re passionate about. It
made me feel that I can go
to my dream school (MIT)
and inspire other girls.
memorable parts of my exciting day at the White House. I will always be
thankful for and remember this experience.
gsep.org • spark • fall/winter 2012 7