Dear Girlspring,
This is not an article. This is not a poem. This is simply a letter of thanks. This is a letter that will try to express five years worth of gratitude to an organization that changed my life.
I wanted to thank you, Girlspring, for providing a place of community during one of the most important times of my life. I was worried that I would not be able to find a group in high school. I was worried that Covid-19 would wreck any chance of being able to make new friends. However, Girlspring washed those worries away with smiles and courage. The moment I went to my first Girlspring meeting, I knew I had found something special. All of the girls were so kind and welcoming, it was clear that Girlspring was actually about lifting each other up, not tearing people down. As my time in Girlspring continued, I was so grateful to meet more girls who shared my values and interests. These girls are all so focused on improving this world, whether it is from stem, arts, or humanity areas. However, more importantly, they are also focused on improving each other. The support that I have received from other Springboarders has been inspiring. This group has made me understand that I am never alone. Girlspring can quickly become a second family. I am so thankful that I was allowed to be a part of it. I have a connection with dozens of girls from around the Birmingham area. Knowing that connection exists has allowed me to become more confident and secure in who I am, because I know Girlspring is cheering for me, and that support will continue while I am in college.
Girlspring has not only provided me with a community that I will cherish forever, it has gifted me a place where I could grow my writing and voice. Before Girlspring, I did not have a place where I felt comfortable sharing my poems. I was just an eighth grader who loved to tell stories. When I joined Girlspring, I was still nervous to truly share my poems with the world, however they were so encouraging that I finally decided it was time. I shared my first poem and it felt amazing. Knowing people were reading my words and relating to them made me want to continue writing. As time went on, Girlspring continued to help me discover my true voice by giving me such an amazing space to create. Their open minds, caring hearts, and creative souls were such an inspiration to me. No matter what I wrote, Girlspring rallied around me and showed true enthusiasm towards my work. Because of this organization, my love of writing has grown so much and my life is filled with stories and adventures.
For the past five years, Girlsring has been an important part of my life. I have made friends and memories that I will never forget. And while I am sad to see this chapter in my life come to a close, I am also excited. I am excited to see who Girlspring helps next. I cannot wait to open my app and see an article or poem created by a girl who has finally found her voice in this group. I know this organization will continue to change lives and break down doors when I am gone, and I am so proud.
So the last thing I want to say to Girlspring is simply…
Thank you.
