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Journey Into Womanhood Alumna Shaping the World One Story at a Time.
This is Arden Ward’s success story.
What is one of your favorite JIW memories?
The college tours because it was always a great time. The college tours provided me a chance to not only become interested in going to college and setting goals for after high school, but I was able to see different places. College tours also provided me a space for fellowship and to connect with the other girls.
You recently returned as a volunteer at a JIW event. What made you want to return and giveback and what did you like about this volunteer opportunity?
I thought it was time. After graduating college, I didn’t have any plans on returning back to Jacksonville, Florida. But like we all know “life happens”. A year after graduating, I talked with with Ms. Elexia to bring a JIW club for the after-school program I run. The time she spent with my female students brought back memories of my time in JIW. Those memories motivated me into action. I have always believed that we can’t do much to change or impact our communities if we are not on the ground putting in the work to bring forth the impact and change we want within our communities.
Do you have any words for young girls today (in general and or related to why they should consider the JIW program)?
Not to be cliche, but life is what you make it, the only person that can stop you is the person staring back at you in the mirror. JIW is a great foundation for any young girl. One, because there are volunteers dedicated to supporting these young ladies. Two, JIW provides a plethora of resources.
Do you have a favorite or funny story about your time at JIW?
My favorite memory was mentor corner. I always enjoyed breaking apart from the larger group and having time to talk in an intimate space. Whether we were discussing grades, friendships, life … etc., I always knew that there was a genuine ear listening and available to give helpful advice. My favorite funny memory was 4H/ JIW / talent shows. Between the costumes, bad wigs and the dialogue I was reciting, I don’t know what was the most laughable. As a kid, I used to have a hate/love relationship with doing monologues because I was embarrassed. But there was always a part of me that enjoyed performing, because for those 2-3 minutes I was being a comic relief and the spotlight was on me.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned from participating in JIW programs?
The greatest lesson I have learned from participating in JIW is what I’m learning now. I wish I would have been a little more attentive while in the program. While serving as a mentor, when we have presenters or breakout groups, it’s like Deja a vu moments, but this time I’m taking it all in as an adult. Certain topics that are discussed in the breakout groups I can now relate to at this point in my life because I already endured them.
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