Get Smart Lessons Learned

I learned numerous lessons this summer during my time with Get Smart, and I want to share them with you!

I DO Matter: When I first started interning with Get Smart, I didn’t think I had very much valuable advice or words of wisdom that people would want to hear about. But I quickly realized that the more I wrote, the more I had to say. It turns out that most young women my age are going through a lot of the same things as me. Blogging about some tips I’ve learned along the way CAN help other young women with what they’re going through.
Communitas: Anthropologist Victor Turner published a famous study in which he described what he called communitas, meaning, roughly, the “spontaneous love and solidary that can arise within a community of equals.” Over the last several months, I’ve experienced this feeling of communitas with our readers, summer interns and all of the incredible people involved with Get Smart. This summer I interned with so many great young women, many of whom I had never met before. Over the last few months, through our meetings and conference calls and blog posts, I’ve become a part of something bigger than myself. I’ve experienced the feeling that Turner describes when you’re surrounded by a loving community of equals.
Everyone Has Lessons to Teach: As I’ve read the blog posts and stories of my fellow interns this summer, I’ve been so amazed and surprised by their lessons and adventures. From Michelle’s struggles with her adoption to Mia’s lessons from California, they’ve all brought something unique to the Get Smart table and I’m so honored to have been able to work with them.

Three Reasons to Get Involved with Get Smart

Make a Difference: This is my first and favorite reason for getting involved with Get Smart. Whether you give time, money or talent to Get Smart, every ounce of involvement goes toward empowering more and more young women. Even just by blogging, you can reach hundreds of young women. And you never know when your story or your tips will be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Learn About Yourself: This one might be a little counterintuitive, but just think about it. Being involved with Get Smart forces you to examine yourself and your own life. You think about what you’re doing that works and what you can improve on. Maybe you’re a great leader, and can share tips with other young women. Or maybe you’re low on self-esteem, and reading about how much potential you have in a Get Smart article helps you to realize how valuable you are. The bottom line is that becoming involved with Get Smart enables you to share your strengths and recognize and improve on your weaknesses.
Learn About Others: Becoming involved with Get Smart is a great way to meet other people who are passionate about empowering young women. I’ve worked with some of these people, and it’s absolutely incredible. You learn and grow together while working together to help women become their most authentic selves!