A Sandals Conference

I was called to the village secondary school for a meeting about Junior Achievement. One of the volunteers in my group, Elaine, is assigned to build a Junior Achievement Program and when she asked if I would be interested in helping the students in my village with the program I said, “Of course”. Inside, I was actually thinking, “what are you doing, Karen?!?” Working with children is hardly something I feel comfortable with, but Peace Corps is about moving from the familiar comfort zone.

I remember being part of Junior Achievement in high school. I was a freshman and I never felt particularly good at anything until I joined this after school activity. I was an elected officer, the Vice President of Finance. We made candles and sold them at Christmastime. I remember my dad taking them to work. I overheard Dad tell my mother, “this is payback for all the things I have had to purchase from their kids”. It was years later when my boys were selling candy and various items for Little League and school that I could fully appreciate that comment.

My Junior Achievement experience was positive because I wanted to work in business from the time I was ten. It was the second “sign” that this would be my career path. The first sign was the 1950s sitcom “Private Secretary” with Ann Southern who played the secretary Suzie McNemara. I wanted to be her. There was another woman. I think her name was Vi. I didn’t want to be her. Suzie looked important as she answered Mr. Sand’s telephone and worked his schedule. Growing up in the 50s, I accepted the walls and limitations that held my gender. Even though I held the same values espoused by the woman’s movement, I wasn’t able to break free until I was in my 30s.

So when the teacher asked me if I would escort seven girls to the Junior Achievement Conference in Castries, I agreed . . . reluctantly. Seven girls! But, as usual, in the end I was glad I agreed to do it.

None of them had ever been at Sandals which is considered a nice resort by many. They were extremely excited about having their picture taken by the pool. Of course Flat Erika attended the conference and the girls were curious and then happy to pose with her.