By Carly Shaia

Special to The Farmville Herald

Imagine being afraid to look in the mirror each day and being afraid to go to slumber parties and backyard pool parties with friends.

The ability to stand strong and tall can be especially difficult for young women growing up surrounded with the constant peer pressures both on and off the Internet. It’s easy for young girls to dismiss the importance of learning to love themselves from the right places and instead find it from Instagram followers.

On Valentine’s Day, We Understand Youth Outreach dedicated the day to young girls learning about self-love and self-confidence through their inaugural Pretty in Pink Pampering Day.

Torrie Patterson is the president of the non-profit organization created to benefit the youth of Prince Edward and surrounding counties to “help them reach their full potential” through free programs.

The organization was created to inspire children between the ages of 10-18. Although this particular program was geared towards females, the organization holds events for all genders.

“We wanted to inspire and encourage the girls to understand that they are important,” said Patterson. “We want to point out the great things about them.”

Over 20 volunteers gathered at the Historic Farmville Train Station on West Third Street to pamper over 15 young ladies with motivational affirmations mixed with fun activities, such as pedicures and facials. “To love yourself regardless of what other people say,” explained Patterson, was the most important take away from the event for the girls.

During the event, local motivational speaker Angela Edmonds spoke about her personal issues growing up with self-confidence and explained to the girls the importance of taking care of one’s self.

Throughout the event the girls were encouraged through the mentoring volunteers, the activities and the pampering ways to love themselves. “We want to sew a seed inside of them that will blossom when they are older,” Patterson said.

The organization is a new non-profit that thrives on volunteers and donations to make events like Pretty in Pink happen.

Patrice Carter came to volunteer for the organization for the first time on Sunday. “This is something that really hit home for me,” Carter explained.

She said she felt the most important message for the girls to take away was “to love themselves.” She assisted in providing the materials and ingredients to create the spa day services, like facial masks and bath salts. Carter feels that pampering young women allows them “to learn how to treat themselves.”

Other establishments were involved, such as the Longwood Center for Visual Arts and Kenny’s Healthy Living Emporium, which assisted with donations to make the event possible.

The organization is always looking for new volunteers and donations to continue their program to reach all new audiences. Although a date has not been set for the next event, the organization plans to include both boys and girls.