issue no. 13

1 | smart girl’s guide

issue no. 13may | june 2013


Happy Summer, Smart Girls! I am thrilled to introduce to you our May/June Issue of Smart Girl’s Guide. We had so much fun planning this issue and I think it really comes out within the pages of the magazine. The coolest part? Smart Girls from three continents put this magazine together! Nothing makes me more excited than seeing SGG unite more Smart Girl Sisters in more places.

As I browse through the magazine, I am in complete awe at the content and the smarts that go in to making each issue. From Royar’s analysis of terrorism (p. 18) to Brooke’s article on bubble necklaces (p. 26) to the amazing things Danielle is doing with her own business venture through Compass Fellowship (p. 40), it amazes me that there are so many superstar Smart Girls out there.

Maggie’s article, “The Ambition Problem: Finding Friends Who ‘Get It,’” had me thinking about the challenge it can be to find friends with a Smart Girl’s level of drive and gusto. As The Smart Girls Group has evolved, it has been extremely humbling to see girls finding those friends who “get it” within our sisterhood. There is something truly remarkable about ambitious people and sometimes, we do not necessarily label ourselves as such. However, when you are around game-changers, like all of the Smart Girl Sisters, you find that you too are in fact someone who can change the world. It is so important that we find those friends who “get it” because how we decide to impact the world is determined by both who we are and our environment. Smart Girls deserve the best environment with the most enthusiastic, go getters who will inspire you and will be inspired by you.

These following pages are flooded with girls who “get it.” From our amazing cover girls, Molly, Olivia, and Samyu, to our Smart Girl Spotlight, Camryn (p. 47), these Smart Girls know just what it takes to succeed and if you ask me, these are the kind of girls every Smart Girl deserves in her life.

It is my pleasure to introduce to your Issue No. 13 of Smart Girl’s Guide.

Be smart share smarts,

Emily RaleighSmart Starter

A Note from Your Smart Girl Sister, Emily Raleigh


table of

contentsapril 2013

meet our cover girl | 8the Smart Girl is...aware | 18Terrorism: A 2013 Problem

& a 20th Century History

stylish | 20, 26Let’s Go On a Picnic

Beach You To It

Summer in the City

The Beauty of the

Bubble Necklace

organized | 28See Ya Later, Summer

Assignments

polished | 31The Art of Classy

Networking

secure | 34The Ambition Problem:

Finding Friends That

“Get It”

healthy | 37Secrets to Scheduing Exercise

opportunity of the month | 40

Compass Fellowshipsmart girl spotlight | 47

Camryn Ginsburgsmart girl of history | 51

Margaret Thatchercollege spotlight | 52

Grove City Collegehello from home | 55Hello from Honduras

smart girl reviews | 59smart girl class of 2013 | 60

may we play playlist | 64dear smart girl | 65


Sophie RaleighNew Jersey

Amber AusleyUniversity of Alabama

Dorothy WaltonAlabama

Royar LoflinVirginia

Hannah O’BoylePennsylvania

Monica MurphySaint Mary’s College

Tori WilbrahamSaint Mary’s College

Megan BeckerMichigan State University

Emily RaleighFordham University

Brooke SassmanRutgers University

Megan Rogers-ReilleyIllinois

Mimi WarnickPennsylvania

the guide girls

Molly KennedyMaryland

Olivia MichaelsWashington D.C.

Samyu KrishnaWashington D.C.


Mollie McLaughlinNew Jersey

Abigail SloneOhio

Maggie ChaquetteRhode Island

Annie PhelpsRhode Island

Julia MattoxFlorida

Eleanor HarteUMass Amherst

Want to join this team of

Smart Girls? Send us an email!

[email protected]

Kayley HellerGrove City College

Montana MacRaeMaine

Quincy BulinTexas

Sam DuganUniversity of Delaware

Maurissa WallsGeorge Washington University

Yanelle BonillaHonduras


smart girls take d.c.


Washington D.C. is home to many influential men and women. We discovered that it is also home to 3 very special Smart Girls, who are sure to make their mark on the world. Meet Molly, Olivia, & Samyu. These superstar high school students took the time to stroll around the National Mall with us and explore some of the capital’s most iconic monuments.


olivia


Name: Olivia Luz michaelage: 17Year iN schOOL: high school JuniorhOmetOwN: washington, D.c.

FavOrite thiNg abOut LiviNg iN washiNgtON D.c.? so many things! D.c. is a fantastic city. There is really something for everyone. The food options are endless, we have an incredible spread of completely Free museums and exhibits (the smithsonian), and the National mall is always fun, especially in the spring. i’ve come to appreciate how navigable the city is, and frequently find myself on adventures with friends that culminate in the discovery of some new amazing food joint/park/old movie theatre, etc.

FavOrite cLass? it has varied in the past, but this year my favorite is u.s. history.

what DO YOu DO wheN YOu’re NOt iN cLass? i play both varsity soccer and for an outside club. i have played piano for about ten years now, and i fly airplanes. i’m hoping to get my pilot’s license this summer!

FavOrite traveL DestiNatiON? water island, u.s.virgin islands

hiDDeN taLeNt? i would say flying planes,

because not a ton of people know i do it, and not a lot of girls my age are into aviation.

what iNspires YOu? i’m inspired by people who, in the face of adversity, remain completely dedicated to the pursuit of their goal and end up succeeding. it’s easy to make excuses and justify quitting when thinks get tough, and i’m always impressed by people who don’t and instead come up with innovative solutions. i think perseverance is an extremely admirable quality, and is something i strive for.

whO is YOur smart girL rOLe mODeL? This is a tough one, i know a lot of incredible women. if you asked me right now, i’d say Olivia mcQueen. she took care of me when i was a little girl, and i only learned about her past when i read an article about her in the washington post a few days ago. she grew up in the segregated south, and her father was a leader in the civil rights movement. he pulled her out of her high school in an effort to integrate public schools in her area, and enrolled her in the local public white high school for her senior (senior!) year. she was incredibly smart, but miserable, as she was one of two black students in a very hostile environment; think Little rock. Long story short, she graduated with honors, went to college, and has been an integral part of our community for years and years. she recently got her formal high school diploma, something she was denied after graduating. i recommend the article, she is a very cool lady.

student, pilot, pianist, soccer star, Smart Girl


molly


Name: molly Kennedyage: 15Year iN schOOL: high school FreshmanhOmetOwN: bethesda, maryland

FavOrite thiNg abOut LiviNg iN washiNgtON D.c.? i love the cherry blossoms every year!

FavOrite cLass? my favorite class is definitely english.

what DO YOu DO wheN YOu’re NOt iN cLass? i study, play tennis, run, and talk to my friends.

FavOrite traveL DestiNatiON? i really like traveling to Florida. i absolutely love the warm weather and the beaches, and, of course, Disney world.

hiDDeN taLeNt? i know the capitals of almost all of the countries in the world.

what iNspires YOu? i am always inspired when people work really, really hard and it pays off.

what DO YOu thiNK is a smart girL? i think a smart girl is someone who earns her smarts by studying hard and learning in as many ways as possible, and then uses her smarts to do great things!

what DO YOu thiNK YOu waNt tO DO with YOur “smarts?” i have always been really interested in psychology, and i would love to study it in college and my dream has always been to start my own clinical psychology practice.

student, tennis

player, future

psychologist, runner,

Smart Girl


Name: samyuktha Krishna, but everyone calls me samyu age: 17 Year iN schOOL: high school JuniorhOmetOwN: washington Dc

FavOrite thiNg abOut LiviNg iN washiNgtON D.c.? Dc is an area of immense diversity, as well as a breeding ground for racial, political, religious, and socioeconomic integration. partly because it is the capital of the united states, Dc is very cosmopolitan, attracting people from a variety of countries, which allows us to appreciate the socio-cultural diversity that exists in this world. Lastly, Dc residents are energetic and lively, contributing to the vivacious environment of the city.

FavOrite cLass? i tend to have a preference for all classes based in the humanities department. That said,however, i don’t have a favorite class. i enjoy english, history, and spanish, but am not a big fan of math.

what DO YOu DO wheN YOu’re NOt iN cLass? i am an avid indian classical (bharathnatyam) dancer, so when i am not in school, i am usually training/practicing for upcoming performances or competitions.

i am also the co-founder of an organization called beyond the sidewalk, which is a social venture that my friend, meghan cunningham, and i are developing. beyond the sidewalk is an organization that seeks to address the growing issue of homelessness on the streets of washington D.c. we plan to raise awareness about the plight of the homeless. specifically, our team conducts interviews that will provide insights about the lives of the homeless, which we hope will contribute to alleviating the stigma that is often associated with homelessness. it is our hope that by the end of the year, we will publish a book based on a compilation of these stories. additionally, beyond the sidewalk will organize food/clothing drives and events to raise money, which will be provided to shelters with the aim of improving facilities and increasing their carrying capacity. beyond the sidewalk and my dance take up most of my time out of school; however, like every other teenage girl, i hang out with my friends!

FavOrite traveL DestiNatiON? every summer, i travel to my parents’ hometown—chennai, india, to meet my cousins and other relatives. i also use this opportunity to continue my dance training under the guidance

of my guru in chennai, who is both an excellent educator and a performing artist.

my father is employed at the international monetary Fund, where his work involves extensive and frequent travel. Often times, my family and i join him towards the end of his business trip to explore the country that he is working on. Over the past few years, we have traveled to every continent, and i have gained a unique experience from visiting many countries and learning about their history and culture. my favorite two destinations, however, are probably australia and cape town, south africa.

hiDDeN taLeNt? hmm…i love taking trapeze classes with my friends from school. i am also pretty good at drawing henna designs, which is a traditional form of art in india.

what iNspires YOu?i am most inspired by those who have the courage to relentlessly pursue their goals and dreams, regardless of the barriers that might stand in their way. people who break away from social stigmas, and free themselves of certain restrictions imposed by society are truly admirable. i am also inspired by anyone who makes an effort to genuinely help those in need.

whO is YOur smart girL rOLe mODeL? wow! That is a hard question, because there are so many women who are truly inspirational. This past year, a horrible incident occurred in Delhi, india. a young girl, accompanied by a male friend, was traveling in a bus late at night after watching a movie. On the bus, there were a group of drunken males, who began to tease and harass the couple. The night finally ended with the severe brutalization of the girl and boy. The girl was raped and severely abused, and a few days later she died in a hospital in singapore. One of the most heartbreaking parts of the girl’s story was that her parents were not very rich, but wanted to send their children to college. The parents made enormous sacrifices just so that their daughter could get a good education and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. The young girl was a hardworking, ambitious, and very driven student. her death sparked immense outrage and rebellion in india, and helped increase awareness about the abuse of women. The victim’s name was not released for a long time—she was given the name of “Nirbhaya” (fearless) by the media, a true testimony of her grit and determination. her story represents the adversity and struggle faced by many women, not just in india, but around the world. “Nirbhaya” is one of my role models.

student, entrepreneur, dancer, Smart Girl


samyu


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environment.

Join the sisterhood and get the resources you need to make a change in this world.

For more information and to become a Smart Girl Sister, email

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With the tragic events of the april 15th boston bombings now in national focus, the issue of terrorism has been pushed again to the front of the u.s.’s domestic and foreign policy docket. The u.s. is no stranger to terrorism and it’s a word that gets thrown around a lot in the news and is a favorite in government jargon. but what exactly is terrorism? is it a domestic issue? is it a job for the uN? ironically, the boston bombings cannot

yet be labeled as terrorism since under u.s. Law, terrorism is defined as “premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents”. but it’s still a fascinating topic to discuss and an important one to be aware of.

The best definition of terrorism is found in the united Kingdom’s prevention of terrorism act: the use of violence for political goals and includes any use of violent force for the purpose of putting the public or the community in fear. in steve coll’s book Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2011, he quotes american analyst brian Jenkins, “terrorists want a lot of people watching and a lot of people listening and not a lot of people dead. terrorism is theater.” That definition fits a lot of the criteria for recent acts of terror.

so, how did we get here? The cold war. shocker, right? The cold war changed united states foreign policy and international affairs forever and set us on the path we are now. The cold war was aptly named because there was never any physical fighting, although lives were lost in offshoots of it from 1950 - 1991. since we were fighting the union of soviet socialist republics over communism, we were led to fight in south vietnam, a small country near china, that was in danger of falling prey to North Korea and communism. There the united states encountered the fighting style of the late 20th and 21st century: guerrilla warfare. Long gone were the days of dually uniformed sides and clear battle lines. The 1970s and 1980s also marked the rise of middle eastern islamic militants. some of these groups were ironically funded and supplied at times by the united states to fight the ussr in 1970s afghanistan. in 1983, 200 u.s. marines were killed in a bombing at the barracks in beirut, for which the islamic Jihad Organization, a now defunct islamist group, claimed responsibility. The beirut bombings were the first to truly capture the united states attention, both politically and publicly. The latter half of the 20th century saw the further rise in power of Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda and saddam hussein.

TerrorisMa 2013 problem

and a 20th century history

by royar loflin


in the 21st century, huge attacks have been synonymous with the rise of mass media. examples post 9/11, the most recognized act of terror in the 21st century and perhaps ever, include the madrid train bombings, 2005 London bombings, 2005 New Delhi bombings, 2008 mumbai attacks, and the 2011 Norway attacks. The 2011 Norway attacks were conducted by a Lone wolf, or single person, unattached to a cause, and the rest were linked to islamist separatist groups.

The middle east seems to be the common factor in most of these, and historically has always been extremely politically conservative and religiously sensitive, making it a hotbed for radical islamist terrorist groups. however, the greater middle east also includes countries such as uzbekistan and georgia, both former soviet republics, and parts of russia, especially when speaking about the spread of radical islam. Not without it’s own russian tensions, georgia shares a border with the subject of both new international and perpetual russian attention: chechnya.

chechens are a muslim ethnic group that have lived in the North caucasus mountains for hundreds of years. During the period of soviet rule, chechen rebellion could be counted on and the state was often subject to harsh punishments as a result. when the ussr dissolved, the two factions struggled until the First chechen war in 1994, which marked the beginning of a decade of mass killings and large hostage situations. The russians were largely unsuccessful in fighting due to the guerrilla tactics of the rebels. The budyonnovsk hospital hostage crisis in southern russia, the first of many attacks by chechen rebels, not only shocked the russian government, but ended the war in a ceasefire, leading to unsuccessful peace talks.

The leader, shamil basayev, was also responsible for the 2002 moscow theatre hostage attack, and was controversially killed in July 2006. in addition to the moscow theatre attack, the most well known act of chechen terrorism is the beslan school massacre. rebels occupied a school in North Ossetia, russia and took over 1,100 people hostage, including 777 children. The hostage situation lasted for three days while the rebels called for recognizing chechnya as an independent entity and withdrawal of russian troops. 331 people were eventually killed. The russian government held a referendum on the constitution in 2003 that rejoined chechnya and russia with limited power, with a valid vote of 95.5% in favor. six years later, russia withdrew all it’s troops. chechnya today continues to be a source of support for radical islam, with some ties to al-Qaeda, and will be an interesting region to watch in the coming months and years, especially as the investigation into boston continues.

under the veil of radical islam, the al-Qaeda name will continue to be a common group associated with terror. Ken ballen sums up the appeal of the belief system of islam perfectly: “convincing them that they are carrying out the will of god for their own glory and the redemption of muslims everywhere, mask[s] a personal sense of alienation and individual crisis that gripped their lives, from a failed love affair or family conflict to not being able to relate to their peers. The radical islam cause provides the relief from their crisis. it serves as the easy outlet to unleash their demons. They can now achieve a greater glory. Their lives now matter. They can become overnight heroes, featured in the media, endowed with fame and celebrated among their small, closed circle—either online or among fellow believers.”

New groups in Yemen and the northern middle east will bring the most attention, as well as continued work from hezbollah in Lebanon and the haqqani network in pakistan. communism can be seen in the same vein, and so terrifying to the united states for so long. similarly, islam is just but an idea, and most followers do not mean harm to americans or others, but as with most things, it’s the radicals that get the attention. Keep these things in mind from a great post from Washington Post blogger, brad plummer: “North america is subject to less attacks than most anywhere in the world, including south america, and the odds of being killed in an attack are 1 in 20 million. terrorism is a scary thing, but it wouldn’t be called so if it wasn’t. The less attention we give to those who are proponents, the less it will affect us in the future.”


let’s go on a

picnic

Smart Girls all have their own signature styles and here at The Smart Girls Group, we love showcasing the diverse styles of our sisters. This month’s curators, Megan and Maurissa, are excited to show you how they style their summers.

curated by Maurissa Walls,

Philadelphia


curated by Maurissa Walls,

Philadelphia

curated by Megan Rogers-Reilley,

Chicago


beach you to it


summerin thecity


SMaRt Fact: click on the items to see where you

can get these Smart Girl looks!


bubble necklace

the beauty of the by brooke sassman

an accessory is like a best friend: one that you can always count on, a dazzling sidekick, and a signature piece of sparkle that adds uniqueness to any ensemble. in honor of summer moving in full speed ahead, and the moment in time where we officially begin to shed our winter wardrobe, it’s safe to say that bold, beautiful colors have arrived for good. while for most occasions we view the ‘pop of color’ as a bold lip or brightly colored pair of heels, this bubbly addition is sure to be a major statement piece. making waves in the world of trendy jewelry this summer is something i like to call the bubble necklace. a bubble necklace lies on a low-hanging chain with approximately four or five ‘bubbles’ to start the pattern. as the necklace gets longer and nears the middle section of your torso, you’ll notice that the bubbles branch out into smaller, more frequent bubbles. in a shape that somewhat resembles a fruitful tree, the bubble necklace is perfect for almost any neckline. This particular necklace comes in a variety of different colors and can be found anywhere from J. crew to the specialty boutique down the street. in addition to the wide range of locations that it’s sold, it also rolls in at a pretty affordable price especially if you’re on a college budget. The bubble necklace can be purchased for as low as eleven dollars. but if you just so happen to be on the verge of a major splurge, larger, more ornate bubble necklaces exist for up to sixty dollars. in the end though, whether it was eleven dollars or sixty dollars spent, a bright, colorful necklace is always the perfect way to finish any summery outfit.


although there are many ways to rock the bubble necklace, there are two ways in particular that i’ve found to be majorly appealing so far this summer.

if you’re spending most of your summer days styling your daily outfits for a work or an internship environment, this may just be the greatest addition to your professionally chic look. while wearing a neutral-colored dress or blazer (or even both!), try adding this pop of color for a vibrant summertime glow. bright yellow, coral, orange, hot pink, or even a surprising touch of mint green will surely provide a conversation piece any day on the job!

but on the other hand, some of us aren’t in a position yet where dressing up for work is mandated, and that’s okay! since this piece of jewelry is incredibly versatile and comes in almost every color, it also works just as well with your favorite sundress or classic button-down shirt.

with a summer ahead full of sunny rays and beachy days, the bubble necklace is a great buy to accompany several different looks. while jewelry shopping can often be a tough decision, knowing that this piece will go with more than half of your wardrobe pretty much makes this newfound friendship a no brainer.


See ya later,Summer Assignments!How to complete summer assignments quickly and painlessly

For most, summer means hitting the beach, going on vacation, sleeping in, and maybe even a summer job. All of these activities are anticipated and counted down to from the second week back at school. The final bell rings on your very last day of school and you are overjoyed that exams, studying, and homework are non-existent for the next three months. However, most high school teachers assign tedious summer assignments that are forgotten until the week before school starts. If you are like me, I always had a math review packet as well as multiple summer reading books and papers to complete before heading back to school in the first day! I am by no means saying that you should rush home and not have fun u n t i l these assignments are completed

but you also should not ignore them until the end of the summer! I have some helpful hints and tricks that will help you to accomplish these assignments painlessly and still be able to have tons of time with friends during

these warm and sunny months. The most effective way for you to complete your summer assignments is by having a plan and sticking to it. Let's start with summer reading since teachers at most schools commonly assign that. The best way to plan out your summer reading involves adding up all of the pages from each book. Once you have done that, figure out how many days you have to complete these assignments. The more days you have and are able to read the books will result in a lesser amount of reading each day. Now, hopefully your math skills aren't too rusty after devoting yourself to the subject all year, but it is time to divide the number of pages in all of the books by the number of days you have to complete the assignment. My advice to you is to spend two months of the summer devoted to summer reading and the last month to do assignments that correlate with reading or other subjects. This way you are allowing yourself plenty of time to compete both parts of the project. When you make a schedule like this is important to stick to it! I also advise you to look ahead to see when you will be taking trips so that you can get ahead on your reading before you


See ya later,Summer Assignments!How to complete summer assignments quickly and painlessly

by Dorothy Walton

leave! Now, let’s tackle those tedious summer papers. Personally, my summer assignments that involve writing essays go hand-in-hand with my summer reading. The best way to break up your papers, however many you have, is to write the paper right after finishing the corresponding book. Getting on a computer to type your paper tends to leaving a Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix tab open, but try to minimize your distractions. I use a free app that I downloaded online that is called “Self Control.” This app allows you to block yourself from any websites that might distract you for a certain amount of time, chosen by you. With “Self Control” you choose which websites to block and how long to block them and once the time is up, you will have access to the websites again. Another tip is to either turn your phone off or put it in a location where it will not tempt you. By doing this, your assignments will be finished in a shorter amount of time! When you are writing papers, be sure you are sitting at your desk so that it feels more like an assignment.

That way, hopefully, you will take it seriously. Turn the radio and TV. off, too. Then all you have to focus on is the assignment at hand. Some teachers feel the need to assign summer worksheet packets (typically math teachers) and these should be started last of all your projects. These are usually small enough that you can take with you on vacations, in the car, or on a plane. Bring them along so that you can answer some questions during your free time. Try to split up the work so you can again add up the number of problems and divide them by the number of days you have to complete the assignment! Be sure to stick to your plan; otherwise you will have a lot of work to complete on your final day of summer when you should be soaking up some sun!

I hope you find these tips helpful for completing your summer assignments quickly

and painlessly! Remember to stick to your schedule and avoid distractions in order to spend the summer the way you would like to

spend it!


Want a killer portfolio?A super cool opportunity?

We are looking for a Smart Girl to join our magazine team as the

Head of Design of Smart Girl’s Guide.

We need someone who is creative, has a passion for The Smart Girls Group ,and is well versed in inDesign, Photoshop, and

Illustrator. Interested? Email Brooke, at

[email protected], with your resume and examples of your

fabulous work!

Calling All

Graphic Designers


The Art of

Networking

by Mimi Warnick


{1}

Happy Summer Smart Girls! We finally did it! We all accomplished (or are very close to finishing) another year school year. Hopefully, all goals have been met, and now it’s time to relax under the sun. Although, even though summer is beginning, and school is winding down, we cannot become completely lost in the summer sand. Summer, especially for students, is the perfect time to take internships, build contacts, and prepare for the upcoming year. While having strong academics and a stellar resume are very important, in today’s world it is all about who you know. Networking is a very important tool everyone should have and use! Below are tips on proper ways to network with others especially adults, and how to network with fellow Smart Girls (and boys).

These networking tips are when meeting with a person or people in a private or group setting. However in this technologically advanced world, networking can take place over email. These tips can also apply. For email etiquette check out my polished article in SGG’s April Issue!

Do Not Be Late!

Someone has taken time out of their day for you. They are interested in what you have to offer. It is always better to be early than late. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to commute to where you have to be. Of course something things come up, and time gets the best of you. If you are late make sure you call the person you are meeting with, and make them aware of your situation. Once you arrive be calm and collected. Wipe away the flustered feelings and smile!

At a party or in a group settings do not wait for others to come up to you. Be open and introduce yourself. This is how you make yourself known. Do not be overwhelming, but easy conversation will show others you are confident, and anything but shy! People remember someone who put forth effort.

{2}Establishing the Extrovert

{3}No Need To Over Do It

Networking is all about creating relationships. Make sure the conversation you are having is light yet effective. There is no need to dominate the conversion. If the people you are talking to never bring up your profession or a potential profession, casually bring it up in conversation. Just do not make it all about you!


Smart Girls, I know you can all do this! Just remember to be yourself and others will see how great you are. If any of you are interested in other Smart Girls within the community, please contact our Director of Community Engagement, Tori at [email protected], and with the other person’s consent, we can share their information with you. We are all so lucky that we belong to an already established network of talented woman that I know will all go on to do big things. Connect with your sisters! I hope these tips were useful, and you have a summer of

nifty networking!

{4}Enthusiasm!

Talk about your interests or profession with passion! If you are working this hard to tell others about what you do, remember why you love it. People can tell if you really love what you do. If you seem committed to your goal, others will be committed, too.

This maybe the most overlooked networking tip. If you remember to smile, your nerves will calm down. You will feel more relaxed and the people you are talking to will feel your ease. If you are carrying any negative feelings, leave them at home! {5}

Smile

{6} Eye contact is very important! When you have strong eye contact with others, you come across confident. If your eyes wander around the room when pitching your idea, it will seem that you are nervous and unsure of your self.

Eye Contact

After you speak to someone, make sure you follow up within 48 hours. Whether you call, email, or send a thank you note, this shows that you appreciate the person’s time and consideration. You want your contacts to remember you.

{7}Remember

to Follow Up


Finding Friends Who

Get itThe

Ambi

tion P

roblem:

by Maggie

Chaquette

We all have those friends. The ones who don’t understand why we want to find a cure for some disease, start our own company, teach in a developing country, travel the world in order to write an exclusive insider travel guide, or accomplish some other great and inspiring feat. Instead, they just settle to be average. They lack the drive to create change and, unfortunately, often mock those of us who strive to go that extra mile. They simply don’t “get it.” As Smart Girls, we are naturally ambitious. After seeing what other women have done around us, such as Oprah, Sheryl Sandberg, and Hillary Clinton, we too want to be able to make a difference in not just our own community, but in the world. No matter how big or small this goal may be, it is possible to bring about great change. In order to do so, you need a supportive group of friends that will give you constructive criticism, advice, recommendations, and plaudits when necessary. This task is often more difficult than you would think. Often, friends who lack ambition will make fun of you for staying home studying on a Friday night rather than going to that “awesome

party.” You wish you can control their behavior, but unfortunately, you can’t. What you can do is control your reaction and interaction with your friends who don’t quite “get it.” This can be, in my experience, due to one of two reasons. The first is that they are simply lazy. Having grown up in a world where everything is at the tips of our fingers, they don’t see the need to go out and work harder to make their own impact. They

see ambition as a waste of time and as requiring too much effort.

The second reason is that they are intimidated by your drive. This is the more common of the

reasons why your friends just don’t “get it.” If you seem

to know exactly what you want in life and how you are going to get it (which, by

the way, is fantastic!), some friends may feel bad about having no clue what they want to do as they grow older. If your friends are very receptive, after a bit of time and effort, chances are they will come around to understand you and will appreciate your go-getter attitude. However, other friends may just never try to understand or will not be able to. This is perfectly okay, and in these cases, it’s better to keep to yourself about what you are doing as a Smart

“What you CAN do is control your reaction

and interaction with your friends who don’t “get it”


Girl. Unfortunately you just have to accept it and move on. It’s alright to do this because ignoring the pessimism of those who don’t match up with your own ambition is crucial towards not being tempted to give up your goals. If you are constantly surrounded by people who don’t approve of what you are doing or what you plan to do in life, you may start to ask, “Why am I working so hard all the time? Why do I want to win a Nobel Peace Prize?” As Smart Girls, this would not be okay to think. Our community has already made such an impact worldwide and each one of us is destined to make even greater strides going forward in life. So, how do you find those friends that “get it?” The ones who would travel the world with you, do extensive research with you, and be the first to submit job applications to your new company? The first step is being aware of those around you. Whether on a playing field or in the classroom, it is easy to notice those who are ambitious and those who are not. Typically, the people who will most “get you” are extroverted, curious, and hardworking. This is because they, like you, want to learn more about any particular subject in order to be able to have comprehensive knowledge of the world around them when making decisions. However, introverts can also be extremely ambitious. This goes in keeping with the old adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Sometimes they just need a little more encouragement and prodding to reveal their goals for the current and future. The next time you are in class, take a few minutes to notice what the people around you are doing. If they’re staring off into space, browsing Facebook or Twitter on their phones or laptops, or silently rocking out to music, chances are they are not the type of people who will get why you are so ambitious. Instead, look for the people who are acting like you, who are paying attention to the lesson. If they ask thoughtful and provoking questions, approach them after class! This could be the start of a great new friendship with someone who really does “get it.” The second step is to become involved in groups well known for having ambitious members. The fact that you found and are a part of SGG is a

testament that you are capable of doing this! Join your high school or college debate or Mock Trial team, Model United Nations delegation, Young Business Leaders group, Empowerment Group…the list goes on and on. The bottom line is that if you are interested in whatever the group does or has done in the past, you will be able to find people who share that interest and who more often than not are equally as ambitious. With ambitious friends, you are able to take the world by storm and immediately start making a difference. In a group or on your own, you will have the opportunity to take the first steps towards accomplishing whatever final great feat you have planned for your future. Friends who “get it” will work with you, advise you, and encourage you through the whole journey. By this point, you will be well on your way to become a sharer of your own smarts throughout the entire world. Ambition clearly exists all throughout the SGG community. Not only do we set goals to change the world, but also to change ourselves. We constantly strive to improve our own skills, develop new ones, and try different things outside our comfort zone because we want to become well rounded and be the force of change in our life. As Michelle Ocampo, a photographer specializing in high school senior

portraits, says, “The bottom line is you are always striving to make things happen in your life and be the best version of yourself. And let's face it, being a girl that embraces her goals and is determined to achieve them is downright GORGEOUS. You become “that girl,” the girl who doesn’t let life pass her by--the girl that is the whole package!”


We have BIG things coming for our high school and college programs. We are looking for superstar

Smart Girls who are interested in starting campus chapters!

For more information, contact our Director of Campus Programs, Megan!

[email protected]


Secrets to schedulingexercise

by Annie Phelps

Smart Girls are healthy girls (as our Pinterest board says), but Smart Girls are also busy girls. Between piles of homework, choir practice, and that new club you are trying to start up, exercising can sometimes find itself a little too low on your to do list. Lucky for you, our Smart Girl Sister, annie, has all the tips for finding

time in your crazy busy schedule for the exercise you need and deserve.


rest

rest

rest

rest

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

HIIT(high intensity

interval training)

absback

absback

absback

absback

legsarms

legsarms

legsarms

legsarms

biking

jogging

swimming

yoga

Here Is A Sample Exercises Schedule For Your Busy Month:

The workouts included in this calendar are very general – they are there so you can get a sense of what each daily workout should be, but you can cater it to your own needs and your activity interests.

make sure your schedule targets all parts of your body. For example, on the calendar where it says “legs” make sure you hit all parts of your legs (calves, gluts, quads, etc.). For “arms,” hit triceps, chest, biceps, etc. “abs” require exercising your core, upper and lower abs, and obliques. Finally, for your “back” hit shoulders, upper, and lower back.

as always, i recommend creating your own workouts or searching some on Youtube, pinterest, or tumblr. my personal favorite is blogilates. They are quick and very effective!

On days when you have hiit, only do a few reps of another little exercise that day. hit a different body zone each time. For example: hiit and some push-ups, then hiit and some planks, then hiit and some squats.

set a goal every monday. For example, run a mile in under 8 minutes by saturday.

include rest day(s) – there are suggestions below based on fitness level! however, these are just guidelines, take more or less depending on what you think your body needs. o beginners: take 2-3 rest days per week o intermediate: take 2 rest days per week, work as hard as you can other days o advanced: take 1 rest day per week

hang your calendar somewhere that you will see it everyday and cross off the box when you have done the day’s workout.

Annie’s Secrets to Scheduling Exercise:

remember girls, before starting any health practice, talk to your parent/guardian and your doctor!


OPEN DAILY 10-10


Smart Girl’s Guide is pleased to present an organization close to our hearts for the Opportunity of the Month. This organization has changed The Smart Girls Group in ways we never deemed possible. From the mentors to the network to the Kenneth Cole AWEARNESS Grant, in the past year, we have been provided resources that have connected Smart Girl Sisters all over the world. They have given us the tools to unite the next generation of superstar women and above all, they have told us that, yes, we can bring Smart Girls together. We are honored to introduce our Smart Girls to Compass Partners.


Smart Girl’s Guide is pleased to present an organization close to our hearts for the Opportunity of the Month. This organization has changed The Smart Girls Group in ways we never deemed possible. From the mentors to the network to the Kenneth Cole AWEARNESS Grant, in the past year, we have been provided resources that have connected Smart Girl Sisters all over the world. They have given us the tools to unite the next generation of superstar women and above all, they have told us that, yes, we can bring Smart Girls together. We are honored to introduce our Smart Girls to Compass Partners.

OPPOrtunity Of the MOnth:


Our Smart Girl Sister, Mollie, interviewed Alex Simon, the Executive Director of

Compass Partners, to find out just why this organization is so special.

What is the mission of the Compass felloWship?The compass Fellowship identifies passionate entrepreneurial students and empowers them to solve the world’s greatest problems through business. we aim to inspire, enable, and sustain the next generation of social entrepreneurs. Join us!

What is the story behind the Compass felloWship?Our co-founders started social businesses on georgetown university’s campus, and the startups ultimately failed. trying to figure out why their businesses had failed, Neil and arthur connected with other entrepreneurs in georgetown’s student and alumni community. They asked all of these folks what they wished they had experienced as freshmen to accelerate their entrepreneurial activities and ambitions. The responses focused on three key resources: 1. a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs, 2. access to professionals and senior mentors, 3. a practical curriculum centered around the skills and knowledge startup entrepreneurs needed.

Thinking that these resources could be created, The compass Fellowship pilot kicked off shortly after, bringing 15 freshmen into a whirlwind experience that would leave most pursuing far more entrepreneurial paths than when they entered. want to learn more? we have a page on our site dedicated to sharing our story (click here)!

Fun Fact: The pilot class of compass Fellows just graduated from georgetown! several are pursuing entrepreneurial ventures full time. For example, check out James Li’s venture, encore (click here).

hoW are College students able to get involved?They find out about us a number of ways. Online, we’re active on twitter, Facebook, and through our monthly newsletter. we also spread the word through our partners and a variety of university-based channels.

This fall, for instance, students at 15 universities in the u.s. and sweden will learn about compass through flyers they see, presentations they hear in class, and other fun grassroots marketing efforts our student leaders concoct. They will apply for the program during the first month of school, and 15 new Fellows will start shortly after that. all told, we’ll see nearly 230 new Fellows enter our programs in partner schools this year.

The bottom-line: if you’re interested in joining compass at your school or in creating a new chapter of The compass Fellowship, please reach out to me directly at [email protected]!

What’s the signifiCanCe behind the name?You know, i’m not entirely sure! There are different theories, and i’ve stuck with the idea that The compass Fellowship helps students navigate the various opportunities in front of them, while always staying focused (due north, if you will) where their passions, values and skills align.

Or perhaps the name came from our co-founders purchase of a 17th-century navigational tools shop. it’s less mission-relevant, but exciting nonetheless.


“If you want to make a difference in the world

and work with an inspiring community of fellow

entrepreneurs while doing so, Compass is the right

environment for you. Rarely do freshmen get access to mentors, entrepreneurship

education, and resources like they do at Compass. If you’re interested in square dancing, Compass is probably not the

right place to go.”-Alex Simon


the Compass felloWship Works through soCial entrepreneurship. What is soCial entrepreneurship?ahhh, the million dollar question. There seems to be an ongoing debate around this question (one of our board members recently penned an article proposing a definition), and for my extended response i’d direct you to a page on our site that explains our definition, or lack thereof (click here to see that).

it’s an important question, and we begin our fellowship program with an exploration of this very question. we consider it an ongoing process though, for each individual to settle on a definition of social entrepreneurship. For us, it boils down to the intention of the venture and the person behind it.

What type of people do you look for to partiCipate in the Compass felloWship?The compass Fellowship is grounded in four values: commit unreasonably, participate proactively, Think adventurously, and Live consciously. we’re looking for people who will live these values and are prepared to dive headfirst into The compass Fellowship while navigating the rest of their freshman year. we look for people who are ready to be part of a community, not people who think they’re more qualified than everyone else. we’re looking for individuals who are prepared to ask and wrestle with big questions about their interests, passions, values, skills, and more. we don’t want people who think they already have the answers or are uninterested in the questions.

Last but not least, for applicants to be accepted to The Fellowship, the idea that business can be used to change the world for the better must resonate with them.

hoW do Compass felloWs ConneCt With eaCh other?Locally, they meet very regularly with other Fellows and mentors on their campus. in cities where there are multiple Fellowship programs running (boston, san Francisco, New York, and Dc, for example) there are regional boot camp experiences.

all of our community gathers during shift series, our springtime conference in washington, Dc. This is an opportunity for young social entrepreneurs to meet with their counterparts from a variety of schools. at shift series, they hear from successful entrepreneurs and senior corporate leaders. most importantly, they form relationships and bonds with potential collaborators and new friends.

we are in the process of building some exciting online tools to enable our community-members to connect with one another. stay tuned!

What type of resourCes are available to felloWs?besides the mentorship, educational, and community resources baked into the Fellowship program, we connect Fellows with internships, more advanced opportunities through partner organizations, and connections to supporters and mentors as they continue their journey. This year, we launched the awearNess grants in partnership with The Kenneth cole Foundation. we supported students with $15,000 of funding for specific venture ideas. (Learn more about awearNess here.) The awearNess grants are just the beginning.

“We aim to inspire, enable, and sustain the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

Join us!”


“Compass Fellows gave me structured time outside of class to think about my life and the potential I have to help others in this world. Ultimately, it led me to a very stimulating and challenging project which helped me decide my major in college. I do not think I would have accomplished this much or learned about business and entrepreneurship without the mentors, experiences, networking opportunities, and friends that compass provided. My business, AutismSees, will hopefully launch as a success with our first iPad application iPresentWell, for people on the Autism Spectrum.

I am now outlining a business plan and I have a provisional patent for the iOS app. I have presented my ideas to the Autism Resource Program at the Boston Medical Center where I interned last semester, and I have pitched the idea to a team of Autism researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina. This project has given me the hope of one day touching many peoples’ lives. It has also filled my time with outreach opportunities and learning experiences in a field I want to work in.

Please check out my website (under development) autismsees.com. And our fundraising site (click here). If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share please contact us at (843) 437-6910. We need as many people to test the prototype as possible. So if you or a loved one has an Autism Disorder please reach out to us.”

Danielle feerstFellow, Tufts UniversityFounder of AutismSees

Anna-Sophia haubMentor, Georgetown University

“I would say that being a Compass Mentor not only shaped me into a true leader, but gave me the opportunity to share ideas and build relationships, on a professional and friendly level, with 15 wonderful and inspiring freshman and 5 dedicated mentors, which will last a lifetime.”


thank you, Compass Partners, for awarding the Smart Girls Group the Kenneth Cole AWeArneSS Grant!

To see how you can get involved in the Compass Fellowship, check out their website here.


Smart Girl Spotlight

CamrynGinsberG


smart girls all hope to have an impact on not just themselves, but future smart girls that might follow in their footsteps. whether this impact comes in middle school, high school or even college, we all want to have the greatest impact and allow someone to learn from

our own path. Our smart girl spotlight for this month is one that believes that no matter what your interests are, you can have an impact for future generations. camryn ginsburg, our may/June smart girl spotlight, has spent much of her college life expressing the need for advocacy and prevention with sexual assault and hazing on college

campuses, along with having an immense love of fashion.

*


what maDe YOu waNt tO briNg awareNess tO haziNg aND sexuaL assauLt ON cOLLege campuses?after sitting down with a woman named amanda garcia, who deals with sexual assault cases at michigan state university, i knew that we needed to make a stance. she proposed the idea of the panhellenic council teaming up with her to help educate the community about what exactly sexual assault is (because some people don’t know!) and how to be proactive if it were to occur. i immediately was on board because just by sitting with her for a few minutes, i learned a whole lot about sexual assault. i was stunned to find out that a majority of the sexual assault incidents at michigan state happens within the first week of school (“welcome week”) and often with freshmen. we need to educate the community to understand that there is a wide spectrum of what is considered sexual assault and there is help out there!

what caN we aLL DO tO preveNt the cONtiNuatiON OF haziNg aND sexuaL assauLt ON bOth campuses?panhellenic council took the initiative to be very involved in the campus’ campaign against sexual assault, called No excuse for sexual assault. chapters have purchased shirts, posters, and other marketing materials to wear and post around campus to get the word out. currently the women have met to brainstorm how to continue and enhance these efforts. They are pushing for a summer campaign in which people take pictures of themselves in the “No excuse for sexual assault” shirts while they are studying abroad, at interesting internships, traveling, etc. and then posting the photos onto social media.

what is a piece OF aDvice that YOu beLieve smart girLs shOuLD KNOw eNteriNg their cOLLege Years, iN respect tO haziNg Or sexuaL assauLts ON their campuses?i think smart girls should know that they never

have to do anything they don’t want to do. sororities were founded on values and hazing should never be tolerated.

what DO YOu see beiNg the Largest cOmpONeNt iN imprOviNg the reLatiONship betweeN stuDeNts aND cOLLege OFFiciaLs?i think just showing the university officials that the greeks do a lot of good for the community. You seldom come across leaders like the ones in greek Life!

what maDe YOu sO iNteresteD iN FashiON? i hearD YOu iNterNeD at cOsmO! what was the best part OF that amaziNg OppOrtuNitY?i love fashion because i think it’s an art form. it’s a means of expressing your personality and emotions. i love that fashion and styles change so quickly. i interned in the fashion closet last summer for cosmopolitan magazine. it was a blast! i worked for some really fun people, saw how a successful publication is ran, and learned a lot about fashion. Now i’m interning at DaNNiJO, a jewelry company. it’s only been a week and i’m loving every second of it. i’m working with some awesome people and surrounded by beautiful baubles.

YOu were the presiDeNt OF YOur sOrOritY, aLpha phi, aLONg with beiNg the presiDeNt OF the paNheLLeNic cOuNciL at michigaN state uNiversitY. what has beeN the best part OF that eNtire prOcess?i was the president of alpha phi last year and i’m currently the panhellenic council president this year. i’ve grown so much as a leader, networked with some really inspiring people, and i’ve been able to make some big changes. i think the best part of both of these leadership positions is watching things change and unfold. i love seeing culture change in a good way! it makes all of the hard work pay off.


what iNsight caN YOu prOviDe FOr Our smart girLs whO hOpe tO have sOme KiND OF LeaDership rOLe withiN their schOOLs?Throw yourself out there! try lots of different groups and clubs. There is one out there for everyone. Once you find your niche, see what leadership opportunities there are. when you’re really interested and passionate about the group, having a leadership role is so much easier.

where DO YOu see YOurseLF iN Five Years? teN Years?i remember answering these questions five years ago and wow has it changed! Five years from now, i hope to be in a big city (fingers crossed for New York city or chicago!). after interning last summer and now this summer in New York city, i have fallen in love with hustle and bustle of the city. There is always something to do or someone to see. New York is also the best place to “people watch.” so many interesting people with their own unique style--it’s awesome! i definitely want to be doing something in the fashion industry, whether it’s a fashion publication, public relations, or an in-house fashion position.

whO has beeN a smart girL iNFLueNce FOr YOu grOwiNg up?The smart girl for me in my life has been my mom. You have to meet her. she’s the most compassionate woman ever. she gives the best advice. another smart girl for me was my boss at cosmopolitan magazine last summer, Jennifer steele. she is all for empowering women to chase their dreams. she is someone who truly lives her life to the fullest!

what is ONe piece OF aDvice YOu wOuLD share with smart girLs FOr LeaDiNg successFuL Lives?Never say no. if someone offers you an assignment at an internship or a leadership opportunity, never turn it down. There is always room to grow, people to meet. Network! talk to people. step out of your comfort zone. it makes a difference!

Do you or a girl you know define what it means to be a Smart Girl? You could be our next Smart Girl Spotlight!

Send Brooke your story at [email protected]

“Never say no. If someone offers

you an assignment at an internship or a leadership

opportunity, never turn it down. There is always room to grow,

people to meet.”

Smart Girl of History


Smart Girl of History

Margaret Thatcher

by Tori Wilbraham

This month’s smart women of history is dedicated to one of the most powerful and influential female politicians of the modern era. margaret Thatcher is honored this month for her pioneer work in politics for females and for her lasting legacy. The prime minister of great britain for more then eleven years, ms. Thatcher was able to show the world how a strong woman could lead a government.

born in 1925 in grantham, england, margaret Thatcher learned valuable lessons in her small community that would follow her to the national stage. Lady Thatcher attended a small state run school and eventually ended up at Oxford university in 1943. to your surprise, Lady Thatcher did not study politics at university but studied chemistry.

in her 20’s, Lady Thatcher had discovered that her love for politics had taken over her will to study chemistry. During the general elections of 1950 and 1951, Lady Thatcher ran for a seat in the strong Labour party in Dartford. although Lady Thatcher did not win, she gained much attention by being the youngest and the only female candidate in the running.

Lady Thatcher married her husband, Denis Thatcher in 1951 and gave birth to twins in 1953. in 1959 Lady Thatcher, was elected to the house of parliament. eventually, Lady Thatcher would be made the education minister. This job was not an easy one due to radicalism in the early 1970s.

in 1975, Lady Thatcher was elected as the leader of The Opposition in the house of commons. Lady Thatcher soon became the first female leader of any western political group. Once again, Lady Thatcher was surrounded by crises in the british government during this time. however, she was able to help lead the country and clear the way for potentially becoming the prime minister.

in 1978 Lady Thatcher was elected the prime minister of england. Lady Thatcher served three terms as prime minster. Lady Thatcher’s terms as prime minister were not always easy. During the beginning of her term, unemployment was very high and the economy was unstable. war with argentina in the Falkland islands was also occurring. however, people trusted in their leader and continued to elect her.

Lady Thatcher was able to gain the support of her people though her radical governmental programs and by shifting the reliance of her people from the government to the people. she had formed great friendships with leaders such as the united states president, ronald regan, and the soviet leader, gorbachev, who famously called her the “iron Lady.”

with the resignation of her Foreign security, Lady Thatcher also resigned in 1990. Lady Thatcher also resigned from the house of commons in 1992 but was appointed a life peerage on the house of Lords. in 1995 she was awarded the highest level of chivalry in the uK, the Lady companion of the order of the garter. Lady Thatcher died on april 8th, 2013.

although Lady Thatcher is no longer with us, her legacy as a strong female leader will continue to live on. her terms as prime minister were never easy. many people do not agree with the decisions that she made. This strong female leader knew what was best for her country and made sure to accomplish just that.


Located about an hour north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Grove City College was founded in 1876. With around 2,500 students, GCC is considered to be a small school. Despite its small size, GCC was ranked the 18th Best College in the U.S. by thebestschools.org and its Career Services Office was ranked #12 by Princeton Review in 2012.

as one of only two schools in the country that does not accept government funding, gcc keeps tuition relatively low for a private school. The college represents the idea that faith and freedom matter. gcc’s mission is to provide rigorous academics in a christian environment at an amazing value.

The typical grove city student is one that is hard-working and takes his/her studies seriously. gcc offers over 50 majors in the liberal arts, science, and engineering, as well as a variety of minors and pre-professional concentrations. all students must select a major by the end of their freshman year. because gcc is a liberal arts school, all students must satisfy a humanities core, as well as classes in math, science and the foreign languages. One thing about gcc that i found to be beneficial is that you start major classes right off the bat. because i am an accounting major, a majority of my classes this past year, even as a freshman, were business classes.

Grove City College

by Kayley Heller

College Spotlight


One thing i love about gcc is the community. unless you live close to campus, all students are required to live on campus all 4 years. unlike most schools, girls and guys dorms are completely separate, which i honestly love! There are 3 girls’ dorms on campus, as well as apartments for upperclassmen that are located on lower campus. with over 150 activities and sports, it is very easy to become involved on campus. as an Ncaa Division iii school, grove city is a part of the presidents’ athletic conference. gcc has 10 women’s varsity sports and offers several club sports, including lacrosse and rugby. in addition to varsity sports, gcc has student-run intramural sports, which over half of the student body participates in. i found intramural sports to be a fun way to stay active. aside from sports, there are a variety of musical groups, greek Life, service and faith-based groups, honor societies and political groups, all found on campus. One thing that i look forward to becoming involved with is icO, which stands for inner campus Outreach and runs a variety of service trips both nationally and internationally. i am serving on the alumni committee for homecoming this upcoming fall, which is an event that brings the entire campus as alumni together. another big group on campus is the Ob, or Orientation board, which is a group that holds events in the beginning of the year for freshman and works to make the transition into college easier.

my college decision was not an easy one. because both of my parents attended gcc, as well as my grandfather, three of my uncles, one of my aunts and one of my cousins, i never in a million years thought that i would be the next to go. During my application process, gcc was one of the schools at the bottom of my list because i was so familiar with the school and i wanted to be different than the rest of my family. it wasn’t until my 4th visit as a prospective student just days before decision day that i realized gcc was the school for me. Not only did i love the community feel, i loved the fact that i felt safe as i walked across campus. because gcc provides a great education for such a great value, i knew that gcc would be a great choice for me. i am still beyond happy with my college decision and i could not imagine myself anywhere else.


from

by Yannelle CruzHondurashello

design by Julia Mattox


Located at the heart of the central american region is a beautiful, small country named honduras. a region that is often disregarded

by many, central america holds seven gorgeous countries. i’ve always felt blessed to call honduras my country of origin. born and raised, i always felt quite privileged and not because of wealth and luxury, but because living in a third world country can be eye-opening. growing up, i was always aware at how much poverty and need my country had. every single day on my way to school, i’d see homeless people, children on the streets, and people who couldn’t get a job anywhere, selling whatever they could on the streets. anyone would think life is miserable in a country like this but it happens to be quite the opposite. Despite all the hardship and obstacles my country has endured over the years, honduran people appreciate life in a way i never thought possible. Through hardship, there is intense unity and this has inspired other countries to nickname us as “The Little country that could” because we manage to get through every obstacle. hondurans have not forgotten the value of kindness, compassion, empathy and how the best accessory you can ever have is a smile.

i was born and raised in tegucigalpa m.D.c, the capital city and the busiest and biggest in the country. The city is divided by a bridge into two areas, comayaguela and tegucigalpa. comayaguela is a lot more urban while tegucigalpa is very modern. both areas are quite similar, except the lower class tends to live in comayaguela while the middle and upper classes generally live in tegucigalpa. economic classes are quite established and noticeable in honduras, you can see the two sides of the coin if you decide to truly open your eyes and see life around you. while this provides suffering and hardship for all the people in the lower class, most citizens see it as an opportunity to step up and do something. philanthropy is quite common for the middle and upper classes. children are encouraged in school to show compassion towards those less fortunate and there are hundreds of organizations that work for the benefit of our country. personally, i was introduced to charity work when i was ten years old. my grandmother has been a lady of charity since her young days and she invited me to come along. ever since, my volunteer work has become quite extensive.


There are three different education options in honduras you can choose public, bilingual private schools. The public school system is almost free, students only need to pay an entrance fee and purchase their supplies. millions of kids study through the public system because of the lack of funds but sadly, the system has many failures. because of the lack of good pay, teachers go on strikes often and they leave their students without receiving class for long periods of time. private schools are a lot like public schools, the teaching is in spanish but students pay a monthly fee to attend these schools. private bilingual schools are a lot like american schools. i attended the same school for fifteen years, classes are taught in english and two years ago, ipads were given to every student and that made us the first school in honduras to incorporate technology in the classroom. Just like american high schools, our school has many extracurricular activities, different sports every season, electives, college preparatory classes and rigorous english as a second Language program. There are only five schools with a program like ours and they all provide their students the best education programs in honduras.

The only downside to these schools is that they are very expensive to attend and most parents make huge efforts to keep their children in them because at the end of the day they know that they are paying for the best education.

“Honduran people appreciatelife in a way

I never thought

possible

58 | smart girl’s guide”

college in honduras is also public and private and just like in the united states, public colleges are way cheaper. There are two private universities here in the city; they are kind of small in number because not many students decide to attend them. usually students that graduate from private and bilingual schools attend these. There are about four public universities in the city. One of them is the biggest university in the country and the most prestigious. students don’t pay as much to go to these universities and the education they receive is the best. it’s very uncommon for students to study abroad mainly because most can’t afford it. students that attend the private bilingual schools have a better opportunity and receive scholarships so usually they are the ones who get to attend universities abroad. There are several options of things we can do for fun. There are many malls around the city with a big number of shops. we have american stores like victoria’s secret and claire’s, although we don’t have as many as most people would like. we also have european stores like zara, mNg, bershka, and many more. There’s plenty of movie theaters around the city and going to movies is not very expensive, making it a popular thing to do. sundays are traditionally family days and most families take that day to go to church, have lunch out, and then do something fun as a family. There are tons of restaurants both local and international. There are also several places for entertainment like a bowling alley, a children’s museum called chiminike (which is fantastic!), paintball fields, a mini golf venue, and a good number of bars and clubs for anyone who’s 18+. There are really a lot of options to stay entertained or you can be like me and just volunteer all the time, which is just as much fun as anything else.

in general, life in honduras is very pleasant. people may call us the most dangerous country in the world but the truth is, crime can happen anywhere. it’s all about being cautious and knowing the dangerous places around town. growing up here shaped me into a caring, driven, hard-working and active young leader. because of my experiences and memories throughout my life i’ve decided to always lead a life of philanthropy and help my country as well as many more. honduras has touched me in a very special way and i can assure you it will do the same for anyone who visits this beautiful country.


smart girl reviewsby amber ausley & megan becker

it’s no secret that most girls love to shop. what is a hidden secret, though, is shopwithmeaning.org. This website is dedicated to finding products with a social impact. when you go online, there are two easy approaches to shopping. You can either browse by product or cause. making a difference is just a click away!

charity miles is a great app for smart girls who want to help the world just by working out! The app tracks how far you bike, walk, or run. bikers earn 10¢ a mile and walkers and runners earn 25¢ a mile towards one of the 17 provided charities. as you exercise, not only does the app tell you your distance and amount raised, but it also converts the money to show how it will directly impact your chosen charity. The only catch is that after you work out, you must post your progress to Facebook to help spread the word.

The british broadcasting channel’s language center is the perfect resource if you want to learn the basics of a language. courses offered in over 40 languages help beginners learn common phrases, vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar through video and audio activities. especially during the summer, these free courses can help keep languages fresh in your mind. why bother learning a language? Olet fiksu (“You are smart” in Finnish).

Yum! Yum! Yum! Juicing and juice cleansing are the craze these days! i don’t suggest cleansing when you’re on a very busy schedule, like many smart girls are, but adding these juices to your everyday diet will reap maJOr benefits. These are organic, non-gmO, juices that contain nothing but the ingredients that it actually says it contains. weird, right? i did a taste sampling at whole Foods and i could not get enough. They are so yummy and have all of the fruit and veggie servings you could ever need. if you are feeling like you need a good detox, they offer one-day, three-day, and five-day cleanses. i have read great reviews. hands down a smart girl healthy option!

temporun is a newly released app created by two students from my high school that will take the songs in your itunes library and sort them by tempo so you have the perfect run! i just started using the app and i am obsessed. it is great if you are feeling like you can’t get motivated for a run and it is so exciting to be able to support two young new entrepreneurs. They won the sxsw student startup madness contest this

year, too! priced at 99 cents, apps are always something that people are hesitant to pay for, however, i like to think of it as money well spent. how often are people in our generation on our phones? You get more use out of apps then a pack of gum that costs more!


Smart GirlSClass of 2013


beckie martin is graduating from sawtry sixth form and will be off to Kings college

London in september to read law.

royar loflin is graduating from Norfolk academy and is headed to the university of alabama to study international

relations.

Julia mattox is graduating from h.b. plant high school and will be attending the university of virginia this fall. she

plans to major in commerce.

dorothy Waltonis graduating high school and will be attending Furman university to

study elementary education.

brittany petersis graduating from Loyola academy and is off to santa clara university. she is going in undecided, but hopes to

major in public health.

abigail slone will be a home-school graduate and she is attending samford university, where she will be in the university Fellows program, majoring in entrepreneurship

and international business.


shannon hessenis graduating from apex high school and will be attending Furman university to study communications.

nori drachgraduated with a masters of social work in management of human services/community and social systems at the university of michigan. she plans to continue working in college athletics and

mentoring student-athletes.

megan rogers-reilleyis graduating this month and will be attending college in chicago, where she plans to study communications.

montana macraeis graduating from Deering high school in maine and will be attending Florida international university in miami for environmental studies

and international relations.

Congratulations to all of our amazing Smart Girl Sisters. We can’t wait to

see how you all impact the world!

Remember that no matter where life takes you, you are never without your sisters. Be Smart Share Smarts!


We launched our first promotional video!

Check it out HERE.

And please pass it along to the Smart Girls in your life so more girls

can join the sisterhood.

Have you seen it?


Dear Smart Girlby Monica Murphy

I once read, “All you have to do is be yourself and live the story that no one else can live—your story of your own unique life.”

Let’s all live like Smart Girls because life is too short not to treat people right. Let’s start having the courage to build a foundation of strength for every Smart Girl that we interact with on a daily basis. First, find that strength in yourself and develop it.

The sad news is that many girls do not believe in themselves because they identify their worth based on what they hear from others. They hate going to school because other girls tear them down. I know one girl who has witnessed a classmate getting bullied on the bus by other girls her age. I know another who is bullied, teased, and humiliated by other girls in the classroom.

The refreshing news is: YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!

I am currently involved in “The Facing Project,” where we have captured the lives of young girls, many of whom are from lower economic status. My team and I have spent time connecting and interviewing these girls, hearing their hearts, dreams, aspirations, goals and hopes for their lives. All Smart Girls deserve to have their voices heard.

I end with the words of one of my girls who I have mentored for a few years, “I have been called stupid by people because I am Special Ed. I tell those people that I will never give up. I keep pushing through. I am unique and I can do anything that I put my mind too.”

Come on! Be YOU! Stand up for YOU! Your reaction has to be loud! You have to win—you owe it to yourself.

Much love to you, Smart Girls,

Monica Murphy


Goals for the MonthGet your summer off to a fresh start by filling out the Goals of the Month sheet! Want to print it out? Click the “print” icon and

choose page 66.

I am smart. This year, I will share my smarts with ____________ by doing ____________.

With 2013 half way over, my New Years Resolution to ____________is ____________. I will ____________ to make sure I fulfill my goal by

December. Smart Girls only surround themselves with people that lift them higher.

This month, I will make an effort to ease away from the negative energy of ____________ and spend more time with ____________.

Smart Girls are healthy girls. This month, I will schedule time to exercise by ____________.

I am a part of the Smart Girl sisterhood. This month, I will show my SGG sisters some sisterly love by ____________.

I want to enjoy my summer, so I will get my assignments done early by following Dorothy’s organization rules and ____________.

The Smart Girls Group is all about inspiration. This month, I will be inspired by ____________ and I will be inspiring by ____________.

Smart Girls don’t alway see just how much they are capable of achieving. This month, I will help ____________ see how much potential she holds.

Smarts Girls look towards the future and sees what she can do now. In the future I want to ____________ so this month, I will ____________.

Upload a picture of your Goals of the Month to Instagram and tag @smartgirlsgroup!


thank You! thank You! thank You!We Smart Girl Sisters like to think we are pretty lucky that we are able to create a monthly magazine with our sisters from all over the world. We have a few people we must

especially thank for making this issue a reality.

Molly, Olivia, and Samyu, for spending a wonderful afternoon with us, exploring the national Mall, and for giving us a look into the lives of three very amazing girls. We know you girls are destined for incredible things! thank you for being the true representation of what it means to be a Smart Girl.emma and christofer, for connecting us with our three superstar cover girls and for organizing the photoshoot arrangements. this cover would not be possible without both of you! Yanelle Bonilla, for simply being a Smart Girl. thank you for giving us the grand tour of your country and your beautiful world. We are so lucky to call you a Smart Girl Sister!Kayley Heller, for being our eyes into Grove city college. thank you for showing us around your college world! We may all just have to visit! camryn Ginsburg, for being this issue’s “savior.” thank you for encouraging all of us to “never say no” and pursue our smarts. all we have to say is, we don’t know how you do it! alex Simon, Danielle Feerst, & anna-Sophia Haub, for making our compass Partner story come to life. We feel so fortunate to be a part of this network of innovators and game changers. thank you for always supporting us and for taking time to tell your compass story.all of the Smart Girls within the Smart Girls Group, for continuing to support and contribute to the entire community, whether it is on our chat group or through sharing your smarts. We are all so lucky to call you our sisters.

Finally, thank you to all of the Smart Story Spreaders. You are connecting the Smart Girls of the world and for that, we are all forever grateful. You are helping create a sisterhood of future leaders who will have a positive impact on this world. thank

you so much.Happy Summer! See you next month!


“We all obsess about what we are doing and accomplishing. What if we let it go

and simply made the way we live our lives our accomplishment?”

-Maria Shriver

Be Smart. Share Smarts.

issue no. 13

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