The words “You’re Beautiful” flash through the window of the BYU–Hawaii Counseling Services Center in a wide array of languages, negligible to some, but a reminder to girls like Stephanie Soto, an ICS major and junior from California, that every Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. is special. The Beautiful Women’s Group meets, currently a group of 10 to 16 women, to form kinships and remind each other of their divine beauty and potential.
Soto said, “I went to one meeting last semester and I got hooked, and so far I have been trying to come to every meeting I can,” said Soto. “What got me hooked was it was like a pep talk session for just what girls go through every day and introduce you to new people and friends–kind of like our version of a sorority. I just loved the connection I felt and the fun activities.”
An intern and graduate of social work Stacy Chen, who is from Taiwan, said, “The point of the group is to tell all girls they're beautiful whoever they are and they're beautiful being themselves. We want them to know that true beauty is inside.”
The group, which is open to all, both men and women, meets in McKay 181 for an hour each week, where people discuss topics such as the definition of beauty, healthy eating, dating, exercise, and how to forgive themselves. The group seeks to provide an atmosphere where women of all backgrounds can come together and feel free talking about their lives.
In addition to discussions, the women tie-dye shirts and watch videos, and look forward to doing yoga together, holding a mock British Tea Party to learn more about etiquette and eating habits, and makeup and nail polish stations as future activities.
“I like it because it's a good opportunity to make new friends and find out more about your character and potential,” said member Jolin Chen. “It's a very positive atmosphere for women. People, there are really nice; it's a good place for girls if they need more friends.”
Some members, such as Jolin Chen, said if more people attended, the group would be able to “have more activities, and it would make it more diverse.”
Women who regularly attend the meetings have noticed a change in themselves, and others have noticed too. “I feel like I have had a change for the better,” said Soto. “Every time I go I just feel good, like no matter what day I had I go there and I think I am beautiful and I am special and I feel like I can carry that all week because I know that I have a support group behind me.”
After a meeting discussing the importance of smiling, and even hearing from a man’s perspective on smiling and beauty, Stacy Chen began to see the effects on members of the group. “Now out in the hallway or whenever I see her on campus, I always see her smile,” said Chen.
“It’s interesting because I knew this girl before, and I know she’s really shy and doesn’t really open up. Seeing her smile as she’s walking is amazing.”