Education. College. Grades. Success. These words have been drilled into our vocabulary since we learned our ABC’s. However, many fail to consider that not everyone has the luxury to attend a free public school. Many young girls in Third World countries lack the education that is vital to becoming someone in life.

Fortunately, Miami Senior High’s new club named She’s the First gives students the opportunity to become global citizens and to make heartwarming differences in girls’ lives. She’s the First is a national organization, and Miami High’s chapter was created last year by MHS alumna Melissa Carcamo and current president, senior Laura Palomino.

Club advisor Ms. Rodgers oversees the club meetings and is a direct point of contact for the club officers and members. Laura approached her with the idea of a club bringing awareness to the lives of uneducated girls in Third World countries.

“As an educator, that is the core of what I represent, so I gladly accepted being advisor,” she said. “I want to let students know that just because it’s called ‘She’s the First’, it doesn’t restrict the members to being only girls. We all have a voice, and it is time to start advocating.”

“The club’s main goal is to help girls in Third World countries graduate and take charge of their lives to reach their full potential,” said vice president Gabriela Vallejo.

So far many students have shown interest and have turned in an application in to be a part of the club. As of now the club has fifteen members. If interested, Laura advises students to go to room 3208 to get an application.

The club’s requirements are standard as to having a minimum 2.0 GPA and having a passion to help. Club member Elizabeth Astacio, an 11^th grade Interact officer, says, “I love what this club stands for. It’s definitely empowering to be part of a club who does so much for young girls like raising funds to provide scholarships to them.”

Club member Pablo Munoz, a 12^th grader, says, “I first heard about it in December when our school hosted its first GENLx of the year, which is a school platform where students can present and share any idea or knowledge on what they feel is important. Laura invited me to hear her speech on She’s the First. If I had the opportunity, I would have joined since freshmen year, and I encourage young men to do the same.”

She’s the First plans big things in the near future. “The main focus is awareness. The only way we can get students to care is to show them what these girls have gone through. One upcoming project will allow Miami High art students to paint the situations these girls face every day. We would showcase these artworks on exhibitions on and off campus and possible hold an auction to raise money for a scholarship,” said Laura Palomino.

“We also plan on holding a movie social next month that showcases documentaries on the lives of young girls in Third World countries,” said the club’s social VP Angel Sousa.

They will look outside of Miami High to fundraise, possibly selling sweets in front of nearby grocery stores.