Help Fund My Trip to Malawi this Summer!

Hello, my name is Eghosa Asemota.

I want to share a story with you about a shy teenage girl who found strength in a unique community service initiative.

As a sophomore in high school, she constantly fought to break out of the coiled position of introversion she felt trapped in. She entered high school with low confidence and low standards for herself. One day, in her third period class, she heard an announcement for a GlamourGals meeting after school that she attended later on. The next weekend she joined her school’s chapter at their local nursing home and met a woman by the name of Jane. Jane was the epitome of poise and class. It was clear that she carried herself with confidence. After a few coats of candy red nail polish, Jane turned to this girl and said something that would serve as a catalyst to her pursuit of confidence from that day forth. "Honey, you’re young. Is there anything you can't do?"

Four years ago, that girl was me and today, the answer to Jane’s question – I can do anything.

In this life, when some are faced with obstacles they ask for lighter burdens. But me? I ask for broader shoulders. The summer before entering junior high school, I was involved in a car accident that left me with a scar on the right side of my face. Throughout middle school, I struggled with my exterior hence resulting in low confidence. I had convinced myself that I wasn’t like everyone else - I didn’t look like everyone else. My constant community service was ultimately the best medicine for the scars that were left. Through GlamourGals, many women, young and old, helped guide me to boldness. Now, I am asking for the opportunity to return this favor and be the source of inspiration and hope to residents of Malawi.

Malawi is home to an increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children as a result of the HIV/AIDS crisis, compounded by poverty and food insecurity. This June, it is my personal goal to join Habitat for Humanity Malawi’s Orphaned and Vulnerable Children program in an effort to help these young families and work with community-based partners to provide health education and prevention services that support this vulnerable group. Help make my goal a reality!