Graphic by communications junior Lexi Marcellino

It’s not unusual for someone to approach me in the halls of Dreyfoos, asking me for the cookie hookup. It all started with my mother taking my older sister to a girl scout round up at her elementary school. From there, I was destined to become a role model and master seller of cookies. Since I first adorned the blue vest of a daisy level Girl Scout at age five, I have remained a loyal participant. As I approach the ceremony that will promote me to an Ambassador, the highest level, I reflect on my life as a Girl Scout.

One of my first memories as a Girl Scout is something that every Girl Scout comes to know quite well- a cookie booth. I recall stealing looks down the row of rainbow colored cookies and wishing I was eating them instead of selling them. Years of these sales outings led me to one bitter conclusion, cookie booths are not fun. However, cookie sales are not only one of the most recognized activities of a Girl Scout, but also a major part of funding. The only sweet relief I ever received from these cookies was the activities and outings that the sales paid for.

Other than our cookie sales, another major part of the Girl Scouts is community service. I have logged over 500 hours of community service since I became a Girl Scout. My troop and I have volunteered at the Quantum House at St. Mary’s, fed families in Pahokee and sent holiday cards to soldiers overseas. Caring for people in need and taking part in the community are key parts of a Girl Scout’s character and sense of duty.

Most people believe Girl Scouts only do three things; sell cookies, attend jamborees and go camping. First of all, I don’t even know what a jamboree is, and I surely have never been to one. I have also only gone camping once. Although many Girl Scout troops take part in camping and other stereotypical girl scout events, our activities include much more. When we’re not helping out the community, we’re participating in a variety of outings. In the past four years I have zip lined, white-water rafted, snorkeled in Jamaica, indoor sky dived and gone swimming with stingrays in the Grand Cayman Islands.

Through my years of being in an organization like the Girl Scouts, I have learned to care for my community, and have had some an amazing experiences. Girl Scouts has always been another extracurricular to add to my list of weekly activities. However, the memories I have created with my fellow troop members and the bonds we have forged together are worth so much more than anything you can put on paper. And as I enter my last two years in the Girl Scouts, I find myself enjoying every outing (even the cookie booths). Even after it all ends, I will still have the character and virtues of a Girl Scout.