We are pleased to announce Ana Sikhashvili, an ASSE-placed FLEX Student from Georgia, hosted in Minnesota, as the December 2017 Student of the Month. Ana was not a Girl Scout back home, but joined her host sister’s troop to learn about leadership and community. Ana’s host mom, and troop leader, says “anytime we do something new I think there is growth. I’ve seen her make changes and adjust when something isn’t working; she’ll speak up a little more, ask if a child fully understands what she is saying, lean in a little closer, etc. She has such great skills and willingness to adapt!”
For one of their first events, the Girl Scouts prepared a parade float for the Defeat of Jesse James Days parade in Northfield, MN. Ana headed up a craft table, explaining to younger girls how to make flowers out of paper plates. The younger girls were very receptive to her, one giving her multiple hugs throughout the weekend!
Ana already has logged 31 community service hours. “I am always glad to go and do volunteering” she says. She has helped bag groceries at a grocery store, made country presentations, assists with children’s music at the host family’s church, handed out programs at a community Veteran’s Day program, and helped in the kitchen sorting silverware for an omelet breakfast hosted by the Sons of the American Legion.
Ana participates in many activities at her school, the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. She is involved in choir, West African drumming, Goalball, and the Minnesota High School Music Listening Team. She is embracing her experience, making friends and sharing her positive attitude with everyone around. John Davis, the school director, also welcomes her positive ‘try everything’ attitude. “Ana represents her home country well. She is also educating the world around her about what it is like to be a young woman who is blind; she actively answers questions and talks about the tools she uses (white cane, Braille Edge, etc.) and genuinely enjoys it when people show an interest. It's particularly fulfilling to watch how children show their curiosity and how willing Ana is to interact. She is an example of a kind, intelligent young lady who wants to learn, share, and make a difference.”
For her ASSE Leadership project, Ana spent a day with the transition coordinator at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota, and learned about her work with students, teachers and parents. “This day was quite informative and useful” said Ana “because one of my goals is to help blind people in my country”.
Congratulations Ana!
