Hello 2017 VGS Delegates,
I hope your summer has been full of rest, friends, and time with your family. Although I have been busy, I find myself thinking of VGS and missing all of you when I am supposed to be focusing on other things. I miss my city, I miss “Fast Song,” I miss the Olympics, I miss the counselors, I miss the roll call, and I miss being surrounded by such strong and incredible women. There was a little bit of magic in our week at Lipscomb, and although I’ve been told that I am too old to believe in magic, there was an undeniable power and hope that the staff and counselors gave to us.
We learned in that week at VGS. We learned about citizenship, branches of government, important people throughout history, and women who made a difference in the course of our nation. VGS just finished its 71st session and will continue for many years to come. And as the program grows, history continues to be made by those who are brave enough. I have no doubt that in future sessions, some of you will be up on those slide shows as women who changed the course of history. Throughout the week, I was inspired by the varying passions and interests of the delegates. You possess knowledge that opens doors, breaks through walls, and tears down barriers.
I want to thank every girl who made the decision to come to VGS. Some of us came with doubts and fears. We all came from across the state and all got here in different ways. Thank you to everyone who gave this program a chance. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your point of view, and please continue sharing. Go MAD! Go Make A Difference in the lives of those around you and in the lives of those who have yet to meet you.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a quote that was recently shared with me. “Promise me you’ll always remember… You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you know.” -Christopher Robin (Winnie the Pooh)
With more love than I can ever express,
Priscilla Kirkpatrick
