The Meaning of Y.A.S.A.
Y stands for young, when we are full of cheer.
A stands for American, stars and stripes, red and white.
S stands for stateswomen, prepared to show the world.
A stands for association, united one and all.
by B.J., Riverton Y.A.S.A.
What I Learned as a Y.A.S.A. President
By V.J., Riverton Y.A.S.A.
When elections for the new semester came around, I had high hopes. I hoped I would be appointed to a post on the executive committee. As to which, I had no reference. To my surprise and delight, I was made the next president of our Y.A.S.A. group! “This is going to be a snap!” I thought. I had no idea how wrong I was. C.C., my predecessor, made it look
easy.
My first challenge was meeting with the Hospitality Committee (at the time, only two girls) to decide on how to divide up the work. I tried to sound confident and decisive, to show I was in charge, someone the girls could look up to. I just ended up stuttering and feeling I was making a fool of myself.
And then I had to lead the meetings! Usually I do fine in front of crowds (if you can call eleven girls and their mothers a crowd), but I stiffened up, my mind went blank and I had keep glancing back at Mrs. Roberts (our kind and patient Advisor), wondering what to do next.
And then, of course, there is the stressful and time-consuming chore known as “calling the girls”. Nobody home, answering machines, and wrong numbers. Also the occasional typo on the roll so that you don’t have even a clue how to tell them it’s their turn to bring refreshments.
Regardless, favor has been on my side, and has mercifully given me two able and willing councillors: H.R., our Vice-President, and M.S. the Secretary. These two girls are so helpful and supportive it really takes a weight off my shoulders. I think their jobs may in fact exist for that sole purpose.
So, it turned out a little unexpectedly, but I believe this has been a great and important experience for me. I gained a better appreciation for my parents and leaders, and learned about being in charge.
For all you future presidents out there, I hope you’re a little better prepared than I was. Listen to what the girls want and need, and listen to your parents when they tell you to “make that phone-call already!”. And don’t be afraid. Sure, it’s a lot of work, but it’s also a whole lot of fun!