Emily at the 2016 Leading Women Awards (Photo Credit: Randy H. Goodman)

Emily, a Senior Girl Scout from Brookline, joined in elementary school, and has since spread her love of Girl Scouting throughout eastern Massachusetts, and abroad in China!

At the 2016 Leading Women Awards this past March, Emily was selected to introduce one of the honorees. She remembers being nervous to deliver a self-written speech in front of so many people, but she did it and it has become an accomplishment that she is most proud of. “It required courage,” she says, “but presenting the award was one of the best moments of my life.”

Emily at the airport

Outside of Girl Scouts, Emily was one of 12 students selected to participate in the Support China Education Program. In collaboration with the other students from across Greater Boston, Emily organized fundraising events over the span of seven months, including a dance show, talent show, bake sale, yard sale and more. Through these efforts, the group raised over $14,000 to support 23 high school students from rural communities in China, who, without this financial support, would not be able to continue their education.

Emily presenting about Girl Scouts at a school in China

Then, the group traveled to the Jiangxi province in China to engage with the students in their schools and homes. Emily had the chance to speak to various classes about her experiences in the United States. She chose to speak about Girl Scouting—she discussed the annual cookie program, earning badges and participating in troop meetings. She distributed Girl Scout cookies and pictures of her favorite experiences.

Emily was profoundly affected by the experience of meeting these top students her own age who did not have the same privileges and opportunities. “My greatest takeaway is to be thankful for what I have,” Emily says. “It’s important to be grateful for the opportunities I have, and to do what I can to help others.”

Emily, you truly are making the world a better place! Way to go!