During the first week of October, thousands of girls, volunteers, alumnae, staff and Girl Scout enthusiasts headed to Columbus, Ohio for the Girl Scout National Convention and G.I.R.L. 2017.

Among those from our council was Girl Scout Junior, Kayla McGlockton of Greensboro,

	Kayla, a member of Girl Scout Troop 40154, pictured with Marley Dias at G.I.R.L. 2017 in Columbus.

who was chosen as one of 12 girls out of 250 applicants to be on the Girl Media Team.

Leading up to the event, McGlockton had to attend monthly webinars, where she worked with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to learn interview techniques and what to expect during the Convention.  

"GSUSA helped prepare us by giving us media buddies to do mock interviews with. We also had monthly homework assignments," said McGlockton. "I think this really helped me feel comfortable because once I got to Columbus, my main responsibility was communicating and showcasing the different exhibits in the Hall of Experiences, as well as being ready for interviews with local and national press."

A highlight of G.I.R.L. 2017 was the big name speakers that came in for this global gathering of girls including Barbara Pierce Bush, Chelsea Clinton, Gabby Douglas and Marley Dias, the highly successful 12-year-old editor in residence of her own digital magazine, Marley Mag, and founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, who McGlockton got to personally interview.

"Getting to meet new people and interview them about their businesses and causes and how they are helping in their communities and across the country was one of my favorite parts about being on the team," said McGlockton. "That and getting VIP access to do different things in the Hall of Experiences- I was one of the first people to meet Gabby Douglas!"

McGlockton was also inspired to hear Dr. Mae Jemison speak. Jemison is an American engineer, physician and NASA astronaut who become the first woman of color in the world to go into space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.

"Her speech just blew me away, and she really made me feel like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I am ready to start trying new things, even though it may be scary," said McGlockton. 

McGlockton's experience at G.I.R.L. 2017 is what we want all our girls in Girl Scouting to have. A moment where they realize they can be whatever they want to be, do whatever they want to do. 

McGlockton encourages all girls to consider attending the next convention, which will happen in Orlando in 2020. "Before G.I.R.L. 2017 and being on the Media Team, I loved being a Girl Scout. But now I really, really love being a Girl Scout because it gave me this great experience I will never forget!"