Kendall’s Girl Talk Story

When talking about my personal journey with self-esteem, it is hard to find a point in that path where Girl Talk is not a pivotal part.

I was young when I realized that there were some key differences between me and every other girls my age. I was the only girl that I knew or even saw who struggled with such heightened anxiety. With that level of anxiety, a deep need to control every possible outcome whether that be with friends or with the outcome of everything. Eventually, that deep desire of control reared its ugly head in my 8-year-old self’s social life. The need and desire to control the outcome of every situation infiltrated my life in every way possible and eventually I was left with a very small group of people that still wanted to be my friends.

Life was hard and I couldn’t understand why nobody wanted to be my friend anymore. I made myself fit the perfect mold of what I thought was a perfect group of friends, but something still wasn’t clicking…. that is the point of my story where Girl Talk comes in!

I am lucky enough to have a mom who would stop at nothing for me to find true love for myself. When I was about 9-years-old, my mom took me and my sister to a reading of Haley Kilpatrick’s book, “The Drama Years” and all three of our lives changed. Hearing about a place where you are taught to love yourself for your individuality and the things that you can bring to the table sounded magical!

The Lipcon family decided to dive headfirst into the magic that is Girl Talk. Since, I have been pretty much all phases of a Girl Talk girl. I was a Camper, where I learned skills to be an amazing friend that leads with kindness and compassion. I was a Camp Counselor, where my natural ability to lead was championed. I served on the former National Teen Advisory Board, where I was exposed to all different types of women that hold amazing positions in Atlanta’s corporate environment. The list goes on and includes intern, volunteer, and even biggest fan!

All that is to say, I was really lucky to grow up with Girl Talk and the people that make Girl Talk what it is. I learned ways to hone my ability to lead, I identified what makes a good friend and how to be an even better friend. I connected with my sister in ways that some people only dream of. I watched other young girls fall in love with themselves and their abilities the way I did. My life now is a testament to the work of Girl Talk and my people I found within it. I will never find words to express my gratitude for Girl Talk and the people who make it what it is.

Girl Talk is magic!!!

Girl Talk has been inspiring girls like Kendall to be confident leaders for over two decades, and in partnership with Dove and Sam’s Club, we will be doubling our reach nationwide. Join us in empowering thousands of more girls to build confidence and self-esteem through our peer-to-peer programs.

Learn more by visiting: https://samsclub.com/DoveSelfEsteem