Daisy, Grade 11
Daisy, second from left, and some of her Leadership Academy peers
I first entered PowerPlay as a timid, but “open-to-new-friendships” girl. Over the course of the summer in the Leadership Academy, I found that I was able to speak up more and grow less afraid of talking in front of large crowds. It wasn’t until we went on trips and tours of corporate offices where I spoke to professionals from different fields that I realized that PowerPlay could really help me with entering the business world, an industry I’m passionate about. Speaking to others in this way helped me gain the social and public speaking skills I wanted to learn.
Though my time as a Leadership Academy participant was temporary, my time at PowerPlay was not. I was able to secure an internship at the Roth Law Firm because of PowerPlay, getting the chance to see what it was like to work in the law field. In addition to that, I was able to attend multiple PowerPlay events throughout my sophomore year and serve as a coach for younger girls, which only made me more confident when I spoke. PowerPlay was also kind enough to send us on college trips; I visited Villanova, La Salle, and Temple University and had a better perspective for what was necessary for me when I apply to colleges. Overall, this program has really opened doors for me, academically and socially, and it helps especially at this stage of my life.
Getting to know my coaches and mentors, like Kate and Marissa, has made me feel more welcomed and comfortable at PowerPlay. I used the confidence and advice given to me by my friends at PowerPlay to apply for even more non-profit programs, such as the Opportunity Network. Using the skills gained at school and these amazing programs, I also applied to the Saltz Internship program with the American Museum of Natural History here in NYC. These opportunities have meant a lot to me, considering that not many girls my age or my background have gotten to realize what they are capable of. I’m grateful PowerPlay has helped me get there!
