Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Tressa Jukes in the Southwest Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Tressa to answer a few quick questions about her volunteer experience. We hope you find her as inspiring as we did.
Why did you become a Girl Scout volunteer?
I became a volunteer so that my daughter and I could experience things together and so I could be a part of something bigger than myself and have it impact girls in the most significant ways. It is very important to me that they have positive role models to emulate as they grow and flourish into tomorrow’s leaders. It is also important that we, as leaders and volunteers, expose our girls to the most meaningful and positive opportunities today so that they experience all the world has to offer.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
Over the past 9 years, I have been a parent volunteer, cookie mom, leader, SUCM, cupboard manager, an SU leader, and a co-director for a volunteer run camp.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
By being a volunteer, I have learned oodles. Patience and improvisation are the 2 biggest things, because let’s face it, nothing ever goes according to plan. Understanding and thinking outside the box are huge aspects of my roles as well. I’ve learned to embrace all of these and use them to the fullest.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I would sincerely hope that girls, mine especially, have learned that standing up for what you believe is not always popular and is more important than appeasing people; that empathy and knowing when to use it are important tools; and that hard work and helping people are not always recognized, but never go unappreciated. One of my favorite quotes is “I won’t be remembered as a woman who keeps her mouth shut. I’m okay with that.”
Nominate an exceptional volunteer for a Volunteer Award! Nominations are open April 1-June 30, 2022
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