Blog

Dressed for the moment

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:21:32 GMT

This weekend, we took our newest Scholars dress shopping.

It may have looked like an ordinary afternoon, but for these girls, there was nothing ordinary about it.

With Dorm Shower on the horizon, we wanted them to feel ready and know they deserved to be there. So we gave each girl a budget and let the afternoon unfold.

I watched one girl's face when she heard her number. She nearly fell over! She told us she had never been allowed to spend that much on herself. I didn't know what to say. I just stood there and let that sink in.

One by one, they started finding things. The right color. The right fit. And when a Scholar stepped out of the dressing room and looked in the mirror, her whole face changed. She stood a little taller. Smiled a little differently. Like she was seeing herself the way we already saw her. Like someone had finally told her, without saying a word, that she mattered.

And then another girl pulled me aside. Quietly, almost shyly. She wanted to know if she didn't use her full budget, could she give the rest to a classmate who had her eye on something just out of reach?

These girls had only known each other for a matter of hours, but they were already showing us who they are.

I take it for granted, walking into my closet and pulling out something that fits the occasion. It is so easy to forget how much of a privilege that is. These Scholars have spent their whole lives being told to make do. Saturday was the first time someone said otherwise.

Your support made that afternoon possible. But more than a dress, you gave each of these Scholars something harder to name. The feeling of being worth it. Of having someone in their corner who believes their joy matters.

Because this was never really about the dress. It was about dignity, confidence, and opening a door to an experience they had never been allowed to walk through before.

We are just at the beginning of their story with us. I cannot wait to see what comes next.

With gratitude,

Ginny

Yes Day

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:41:58 GMT

Today, I'm sitting in my Pink Chair with a full heart.

Yesterday was the day I finally got to do something that I wait for all year long. After weeks of reading applications, interviews, and carrying the emotional weight of the selection process, I got to call the girls and say the words that change everything:

“Welcome to the Class of 2030.”

It is, without question, my absolute favorite day of the year.

Because you can actually see someone’s life change before your eyes.

When I call, most of them think I’m reaching out to ask a few more questions before I make my final decision. They answer carefully, politely, trying so hard to sound confident and composed. You can hear the nerves underneath their voice. They’re bracing themselves.

And then I get to surprise them.

There are always a few seconds of silence. The kind where you can almost hear their brain trying to catch up to what their heart just felt.

And then it comes.

“Wait… are you kidding?” “Are you serious?” “Is this really happening?”

And then the happy tears.

One girl was so overcome with excitement that she knocked her glasses right off her face on Zoom. We both just fell apart in the best way. It was the kind of laugh that only happens when joy catches you completely off guard.

And then there was another girl. Earlier in our chat, before she had any idea what was coming, I asked her what it would mean to be part of this program. She got quiet for a moment. And then she said, “You know, at home… no one notices me. No one checks in on me. I want that family.”

I just sat with that for a second. Because that’s exactly why this exists.

In that moment, I was reminded of what these girls are really hearing when I make that call. It’s not just that they’ve been selected into a program. It’s that they’re not doing this alone anymore.

Someone sees them.

Someone believes in them.

Someone is going to walk with them.

This is the day that reminds me most of why we do this work.

Because hope changes people.

Hope gives a girl permission to imagine more. To keep going. To believe that her future can be different than what she has known. And when hope is paired with real support, mentorship, and community, she starts to become who she was always meant to be.

And I just want you to know, when I see those tears and those stunned little laughs on the other end of the Zoom, I think of you. Because you are the reason I get to make those calls. You are the reason the answer becomes yes.

I cannot wait for you to meet them (and watch their reactions!). They are amazing, and I already know you’re going to love them.

Thank you for making this day possible.

With so much gratitude,

Ginny

Holding Hope and Heartbreak Together

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:06:20 GMT

As I settle into the Pink Chair today, I'm still carrying yesterday with me.

Interview Day.

Words don't fully capture it, but let me try to take you there.

The girls come in one at a time. Some are poised and composed. Some are visibly nervous, fidgeting with their hands, choosing their words carefully. All of them are hoping. You can feel it in the room — this quiet, urgent hope that someone will see them and say yes.

I've been reading their applications for nearly three months. I know their stories before they walk through the door. I know who works two jobs to help her family. Who lost a parent. Who has been dreaming about college since she was eight years old and wasn't sure it was really possible for someone like her.

And then she walks in. And she's even more than I imagined.

That happens every single time.

By the end of the day, I'm full — full of admiration, full of emotion, full of the particular weight that comes with knowing what happens next.

Because for every yes, there is a no.

That's the part that stays with me long after the interviews end. These girls are all worthy. Every single one. And still, we can only say yes to so few. I find myself wondering about the ones we couldn't choose — who will walk beside them when college gets hard? Who will be there when they can't afford their textbooks, or when they're sitting alone in a dorm room, wondering if they belong?

The weight of that is real.

But so is this: because of you, some of these young women will step onto campus knowing they are not alone. Because of you, the answer is yes for girls who need it most. Because of you, belief becomes something tangible — something they can actually hold onto.

The Pink Chair is carrying a lot today. Gratitude and heartbreak, side by side.

Thank you for making the yeses possible.

With deep appreciation,

Ginny

Selection Update

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:14:34 GMT

Today I’m sitting in my Pink Chair surrounded by applications, and I wanted to pause for a moment to share where we are in this year’s selection process.

This year, 130 young women applied to become Scholars. As I read their stories, I continue to be amazed by who they are and what they have already accomplished. Their average weighted GPA is over a 4.5, and the median family income across the group is about $55,000.

After weeks of careful reading, I have now narrowed the pool to 37 young women who will move forward to our selection committee.

And somehow, their credentials are even more remarkable.

This group of finalists has an average weighted GPA of 4.89 and a median family income of $31,000. They hope to attend schools ranging from our Florida state universities to places like Yale, Harvard, and Cornell, studying fields like Biomedical Sciences, Accounting, Bioengineering, Business Administration, and Aerospace Engineering.

Last week, I shared a sample application and invited you to help support these brilliant young women. I was completely overwhelmed by how many of you reached out wanting to help.

This community is truly something special.

There is still more work ahead before our new class is selected, but I wanted to pause in the middle of the process to tell you something important.

The lives of these young women are already being changed because of you.

Your generosity makes it possible for the students we say yes to be surrounded by mentorship, support, and a community that believes in them.

From this Pink Chair, I see so much brilliance, determination, and hope.

And I feel nothing but gratitude for all of you who make this possible.

With deep gratitude,

Ginny

Catalina’s Dilemma

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:42:41 GMT

I’m sitting here in my hot pink office chair, so thankful for you and the other women who make SOS possible, and I have a quick story to share with you.

I was chatting with Cat, she’s a student at UF with a tangled family (as Susan likes to say).

She was having to make a really hard decision.

Her dad was recently injured and cannot work. Cat's family wants her to come home and be his caretaker. She's torn between her dreams of college and a career and a feeling of obligation to her family. We talked through what each path would look like, in the short term and in the long term. She's going to stay in Gainesville to finish her college journey. While it is hard to prioritize her dreams and her education over her family expectations, she is doing it. One step at a time.

I know this isn’t the type of email you usually get from me. But I think you should get to hear the things that are happening with the Scholars. And you should get to see how you’re helping them in ways both large and small.

I’m thrilled to have a great woman to email about this, and a great group of women who are coming together to help these incredible girls.

Ginny

Angie - Graduate School

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:41:26 GMT

I’m back in my hot pink chair with another story to share with you.

I was chatting with Angie, who recently finished up her time at UCF.

She just told me she had a problem - a good one!

Angie worked hard during her time at UCF. Looking to the future, she wanted to go to graduate school. She applied and got accepted to three schools! She didn't know how to choose. Part of her wanted to go away, across the country to different weather and different scenery. But a school closer to home made her an offer she felt like she couldn't refuse. She is going to stay closer to home and get a degree debt-free.

I'm telling you about Angie because sometimes our Scholars have the best kind of problems. Because of you and this amazing community, Angie's future is so bright

Ginny

Davey Johnson

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:33:12 GMT

The past two weeks have given all of us at SOS a moment to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of Susan and Davey. For more than two decades, they poured their hearts into our mission, opening not only their home but their lives to our Scholars. Whether it was a hot meal, a listening ear, or even a safe place to live, the Johnsons gave freely and without hesitation.

Many of my fondest SOS memories trace back to their home. On my very first day as an SOS employee, Susan and Davey welcomed Scholars and alumnae for a back-to-school barbecue, filling the day with laughter and encouragement. Around Thanksgiving, Susan transformed her kitchen into a classroom, teaching Scholars how to bake pies—patiently showing us how to peel apples just so and craft the perfect crumb topping. Nearly every holiday, their home became a haven for a Scholar who had nowhere else to go, ensuring no one ever felt alone.

From the very beginning, the Johnson family has been the heartbeat of this work. Even after moving to Sarasota, Susan and Davey never stopped guiding, nurturing, and championing the brilliant young women they believed in so deeply. Their legacy shines on in every graduate, every dream fulfilled, and every new possibility opened for the next generation.

In these recent weeks, it has been deeply inspiring to witness how the SOS community has rallied around Susan—surrounding her with love, support, and comfort. Just as she and Davey gave so generously to all of us, our community has come together to hold her close, a reflection of the very spirit of care and compassion they modeled so beautifully.

Ginny

Urgent Text - Allie

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:32:12 GMT

I woke up to a text message that said URGENT from one of our scholars, Allie.

Allie is a junior at Florida State, studying psychology. She dreams of becoming a clinical psychologist to help young people who have become too overwhelmed with life. Right now, she was the one feeling overwhelmed.

Allie is a student who is so on top of everything. She is one I very rarely have to worry about - steady grades and always willing to volunteer when I need a Scholar for an event.

She received her financial aid letter for the year and was not prepared for the changes she saw. She immediately appealed her financial aid decision for this year and was denied. When she tells me she is actively looking for any and every avenue for additional support, I know that she is. She even sent me a spreadsheet with her budget and a profit-loss summary.

Allie should be focused on how to best prepare for this fall semester, but instead, she is worried about how she will afford to eat and buy her textbooks.

Can you imagine how Allie would feel if she didn't have such a supportive community behind her? I know my last Post was celebrating the successes of a Scholar, but this one is aligned with the everyday struggles they face. I will keep you updated on Allie and how her situation plays out.

Harvard Law School

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:30:43 GMT

I have some big news to share with you. I am almost too excited to type!

It all started with a simple text message, a mentor updating me on her scholar.

The scholar, well, she was just accepted to Harvard Law School!

Since the day she submitted her application to SOS, her dream has been to be a lawyer.

To her mentor, she wrote, "I literally would not be here without your mentorship over the past few years. Thank you for everything, my wildest dreams have come true!!!!"

Without your support, she would never have been able to receive such an incredible mentor, support for housing and meals, or tutoring. Thank you for changing everything about this young woman's life. Her future is so bright!

Ginny

First Day of Classes

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:29:11 GMT

This week marked the first week of classes for many of our Scholars. Our newest class headed off to their colleges armed with their dorm provisions, anticipation, and a few nerves.

I love experiencing the first day of college each year with these Scholars. Throughout the day, I receive emails and texts with pictures of their dorm, questions about how to navigate campus (or what if I show up to my classroom and no one is there?), and share in their excitement of attending their first college class (do I need to ask to use the bathroom?), an experience they have dreamed about for so long. Lots of them made new friends today, started using their planners, and smiled at how far they have come.

Not every day will be as exciting and happy as today. There will be worries and a few tears along the way. But today, I wanted to remind you that you have helped make the dreams of these brilliant young women come true. They are officially college students!

History of the Pink Chair

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:28:18 GMT

I wanted to share the story behind “The Pink Chair.”

If you know me, this won’t surprise you—I love pink. Naturally, I have a pink desk chair. That simple chair has become the place where I experience the highs and lows of our Scholars’ journeys—stories I’m honored to share with you, the incredible people who make all of this possible.

On Interview Day, one of our applicants, Anna, walked into my office, her face lighting up. “Oh my gosh, you have a pink chair! I knew I’d feel at home here. Every time I get an email from you, I’m going to picture you in your pink chair.”

Anna’s joy was contagious; you couldn’t help but love her. But as she shared her story, I had to remind myself that this was the same young woman who lost both of her parents. She now lives with her two older sisters, working hard to help pay off their family home’s mortgage. She’s pursuing her education because she promised her parents she would. Her strength and resilience are extraordinary, and though her college journey won’t be easy, she has the determination to succeed.

This is where our SOS community comes in. Together, we’ll support Anna in both big and small ways, helping her not just survive but thrive. Watching a Scholar grow into their potential is one of the greatest joys of this work, and I can’t wait to share more updates on Anna’s journey—and the life-changing impact you are making.

With gratitude,

Ginny

Allie Update

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:27:07 GMT

In July, I shared Allie’s story with you — a bright, determined Florida State junior who suddenly found herself facing an unexpected financial aid shortfall. She had done everything right: worked hard, maintained strong grades, and stayed active in our community, yet still faced the possibility of not being able to afford essentials like books and food this semester.

Thanks to the generosity of caring supporters like you, Allie was able to fill the gap in her funding and remain on track this fall. She worked closely with the university’s financial aid office, and I’m thrilled to share that most of her scholarships and aid have now been restored.

Allie told me she feels incredibly grateful — and relieved — to have people in her corner who believe in her potential. She’s back to focusing on what she does best: studying hard, volunteering, and moving one step closer to her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist who helps young people through life’s challenges.

This is exactly what your support makes possible — not just tuition or textbooks, but peace of mind and renewed hope. Thank you for standing beside Allie, and so many other Scholars, as they continue to persevere and thrive.

With gratitude,

Ginny

Reina - Dental School

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:26:06 GMT

I just have to share this amazing news with you — it’s one of those moments that reminds us exactly why we do what we do.

A mentor recently sent me an update about her scholar, and it stopped me in my tracks.

That scholar? She’s now a student at the University of Louisville Dental School — with a full-ride scholarship!

Her words say it best:

“I’m in Kentucky at the University of Louisville Dental School. I thankfully got a full ride scholarship and will graduate as a dentist in 2029. I am very thankful for all of SOS’s help! Wouldn’t be here without your love and support!”

This incredible milestone didn’t just happen by chance — it happened because of you.

Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in our Scholars make stories like this possible every single day. You’ve given her more than just an education — you’ve given her a future filled with purpose, confidence, and opportunity.

Thank you for helping turn dreams into reality.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ginny

I’m Going to be A Doctor

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:25:04 GMT

I have the best kind of news to share — the kind that makes your heart just burst with pride.

The other day, I got a text from one of our amazing Scholars, Stephanie. It simply said:

“I’m going to be a doctor!”

Stephanie was just accepted into medical school!

Not long ago, she was an SOS Scholar working tirelessly through her undergraduate studies — dreaming of one day becoming a physician. And now, that dream is coming true.

Today, she’s living in Spain, teaching English and inspiring others with her determination and kindness. And soon, she’ll be coming home to begin the next incredible chapter of her journey — medical school!

Stories like Stephanie’s don’t happen on their own. They happen because of you — your generosity, your belief, your love for our Scholars. You helped open the door for her future, and she’s walking right through it.

From all of us at Support Our Scholars, thank you for helping make “I’m going to be a doctor!” a reality.

With gratitude and joy,

Ginny

Alumna Lunch

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:23:55 GMT

I recently had the pleasure of taking one of our recent graduates, Sammie, out to lunch, and it was one of those experiences that fills you with pride and gratitude. There’s nothing more special than seeing one of our alums radiate self-confidence and genuine appreciation.

We laughed over memories of her terrible freshman roommate, celebrated her summer fellowships at the State Department, and even reminisced about the simple joy of Cornell's special on-campus ice cream. Then, Sammie shared something that truly touched me—how much Support Our Scholars has meant to her, how deeply she relied on the community of fellow Scholars, and the pivotal role her mentor played in guiding her through college.

What I love most is watching someone live their dream. Sammie has set her sights on law school, and since we met, that’s all she has dreamed about. She just took the LSAT and is now applying to prestigious programs—and she told me she couldn’t have pursued these opportunities without the support, guidance, and encouragement SOS provided.

Hearing her gratitude firsthand was incredibly inspiring. Moments like this are powerful reminders of the real, lasting impact your generosity has on our scholars’ lives—and why the work we do together matters so much.

With gratitude,

Ginny

Ocoee High School

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:22:44 GMT

Yesterday, I walked into Ocoee High School and was met by a sight I’ll never forget — a room overflowing with hope. Fifty young women filled every seat, eyes wide with curiosity and determination.

We had to cap sign-ups because there wasn’t space for more than 50. Dozens more wanted to join — girls desperate for guidance, mentorship, and the kind of support that helps them believe their dreams are possible.

As I spoke with them, I saw future doctors, engineers, artists, and leaders. I saw potential waiting to be nurtured. And I was reminded that what we do together through Support Our Scholars isn’t just about scholarships — it’s about showing up for young women who are ready to change their lives.

Every smile, every question, every spark of confidence I witnessed yesterday was made possible because of people like you. Your belief in these students creates ripples that reach far beyond the classroom.

Thank you for continuing to contribute, to care, and to stand behind this community. These girls’ dreams depend on your support — and thanks to you, those dreams are growing stronger every day.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ginny

Lake Nona High School Visit

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:18:45 GMT

I walked out of a high school visit today feeling all the feelings—and I thought of you.

I was visiting another high school to talk about our program. When I walked into the room, there were more than 30 girls gathered, all of them curious, hopeful, and trying their best not to look nervous. Partway through, one girl raised her hand and asked, “So… how many are you going to take?”

I told her, “Last year we took ten girls.”

“From just our school?” she asked.

“No,” I said, “total.”

Then came the next question: “How many schools have you visited?”

When I answered—pretty much every school in Orange County, quite a few in Seminole, and even some in Lake and Osceola—I watched her silently do the math. You could see the hope mix with worry. She started asking things like, “How do I stand out?” “What can I say in the interview?” And she wrote down every word I said as if it could change her chances.

The truth is, she’s not unique. This happens at every high school I visit. The need for support, for guidance, for community—it’s everywhere. So many young women want someone to believe in them, to help them navigate their path, to tell them they can do this and that they belong.

I get to step into those rooms because of you. Your generosity opens doors for these girls who are trying so hard to change their future.

Thank you for making moments like today possible. Thank you for being the reason she still believes her dreams are possible.

With gratitude,

Ginny

New Year’s Day Thank You

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:16:22 GMT

This New Year’s Day, with a warm cup of tea and a quiet moment to reflect on the past year, I keep coming back to one simple truth: community changes everything.

When I think about 2025, I don’t remember about the challenges or the deadlines, the late nights or the early mornings. I think about you: the people who showed up, who believed so deeply in this work, who wrapped your arms around our Scholars, and who reminded me again and again that hope isn’t something we wait for… it’s something we build together.

Over this past year, your support and generosity have been nothing short of extraordinary. Whether through financial gifts, encouragement, presence, or simply saying “yes, I believe in this,” you’ve made it possible for our Scholars to be seen, supported, and celebrated. And I just need you to know how truly grateful I am.

You’ve been the heartbeat of this mission. You’ve given your time, your energy, your love, and your belief and because of that, lives have changed in real, tangible, beautiful ways. Futures look brighter. Confidence is growing. Doors are swinging open. None of that happens without a community like this one.

Thank you for being the kind of people who say, “I’m here. Let’s do this together.”

Thank you for loving our Scholars so fiercely.

Thank you for showing up, again and again, with full hearts and generous spirits.

I don’t take any of it for granted — not for one second.

As we step into 2026, I’m carrying so much gratitude for you and for all you’ve poured into this work over the past year. This work is better because of you. I am better because of you. And I truly can’t wait to see what we’ll do together in this new year.

Here’s to more impact, more joy, more connection, and more lives changed, side by side.

With so much gratitude,

Ginny

Holiday Brunch

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:15:44 GMT

This Saturday SOS Scholars and Alumni gathered for our annual holiday party and it was one of those mornings that reminds me why this community is so special.

There was lots of laughter, lots of sugar, and some very serious gingerbread house decorating (creativity was high, structural integrity… varied). Scholars shared stories from the past semester, highs, challenges, proud moments, and I also spent time chatting with recent alumni who came to talk about their jobs, life after graduation, and the very real experience of being adults.

It was joyful, a little chaotic, and full of connection, the kind of space where Scholars can relax, be themselves, and feel supported.

And truly, none of this would have been possible without you.

Your support creates moments like these. It builds community. It gives Scholars a place to belong and people who believe in them, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

From me (and a some very sugar-fueled Scholars), thank you for being part of this story.

With gratitude,

Ginny

Exciting News

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:07:03 GMT

Some seasons in this work ask us to hold heaviness. Others bring moments of pure joy.

This week brought one of those moments.

Two of our Scholars shared exciting news. One has been accepted to UCLA School of Law. Another has been accepted to Johns Hopkins Master of Public Health program.

When I got their messages, I did not think first about program prestige or acceptance rates. I thought about who they were when I first met them, excited about college, but unsure if they belonged, if they could afford it, or if their dreams were realistic given everything they were carrying.

These acceptances did not happen overnight. They reflect years of persistence, resilience, and showing up when the path was not clear, and a community that kept walking alongside them.

When we say yes to a Scholar, we are not just helping her earn a degree. We are committing to the long arc of her story: the uncertainty at the beginning, the hard middle, and the possibilities that come later.

A future lawyer. A future public health leader.

Because of you, they did not have to navigate those early uncertainties alone. And because of that, their stories continue to unfold in powerful ways.

Today, we celebrate them, and I thank you for being part of what made this possible.

With gratitude, Ginny

Application Season/Twins

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:07:03 GMT

As I write this, application season has begun. And with it comes one of the heaviest parts of this work; choosing which of the applicants you and I will send to college . . . and choosing which young women do not receive help from SOS.

So this is a longer post than normal. But I want to tell you a story that shows you why your generosity is so valuable . . .

As I begin reading this year’s applications, I find myself thinking not only about the futures unfolding on the pages in front of me, but about the ones that still live quietly in my mind.

There are decisions that never really leave you; ones you think time will soften, but somehow never does.

Even years later, those decisions, and the stories behind them, return, unresolved.

Five years ago, two girls sat across from me, twins who were working full-time to help keep their family afloat while trying to plan for college. They were capable, determined, and exhausted. I wanted to help them so badly.

I didn’t say yes.

Even though it was the right decision at the time, I still think about them. I wonder where they are now and how their story unfolded.

This season matters deeply. When we say yes to a Scholar, we are committing to show up fully and to walk alongside her through the hard parts, not just the hopeful beginnings.

Your support makes that kind of care possible. It allows us to honor our promises and to support Scholars deeply, not superficially.

As I read this year’s applications, I feel excitement for what’s possible. And I also wonder which ones will stay with me years from now? Which stories will I still be carrying quietly, long after the decisions are made?

I don’t know what became of those twins.

But I do know this. Because of you, there are girls whose stories will be different.

Thank you for being part of that promise.

With gratitude,

Ginny

Nora

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:07:03 GMT

Yesterday morning, I sat in my Pink Chair with a student whose strength stayed with me.

Nora joined me on Zoom after finishing an overnight shift at the university library. Three mornings a week, she works from 4:00 to 8:00 a.m. and then heads straight into a full day of classes and labs. She plans her life carefully, not because it’s easy, but because she’s doing everything she can to stay steady.

She shared how heavy this season has been. How continuing sometimes feels overwhelming. And yet, she keeps showing up.

“No one really has life figured out,” she told me. And she’s right. But Nora has figured out how to keep going, how to ask for help, and how to choose herself again when things are hard.

She could have walked away. Many students in her position would have. Instead, she is still here. Still enrolled. Still working. Still dreaming. Putting one foot in front of the other on days when that takes real courage.

I am so proud of her.

This is what your support makes possible. Because of you, students like Nora are not alone in their hardest moments. Your generosity doesn’t remove the struggle, but it makes perseverance possible.

Thank you for believing in students like Nora, especially on the days when believing in themselves takes extra courage.

With deep gratitude,

Ginny

Purpose Lab

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:56:55 GMT

This past weekend, I had the privilege of spending time with a group of our Scholars in what we call a Purpose Lab, and I’m still carrying the energy of it with me.

We created space for something that’s rare and powerful: time to slow down, reflect, and imagine. Together, we worked through developing personal and professional purpose statements, envisioned where they want to be ten years from now, and then rolled up our sleeves to map out real strategies to help them get there.

As they articulated their personal purpose statements, I was struck by both their honesty and their courage. They spoke about goals like:

* Educating and empowering themselves

* Learning to be more introspective and challenge pre-existing beliefs

* Growing beyond the limits they’ve placed on themselves

* Stepping into greater confidence

These weren’t abstract ideas; they were deeply personal declarations of who they are becoming.

By the end of the weekend, what moved me most wasn’t just the clarity they gained, but the connections they formed with one another. I watched Scholars encourage each other, listen deeply, and celebrate one another’s aspirations. Many expressed profound gratitude for simply having the opportunity—and the safe space—to explore their passions, values, and talents.

Moments like this are only possible because of you. Your support makes room for reflection, growth, and belonging. It allows our Scholars not just to succeed academically, but to understand why they’re striving and who they want to be.

Thank you for believing in them, and for believing in the power of purpose.

With gratitude,

Ginny