Panther Creek Senior Madison Jones is now the founder of a new and successful online platform

Jessica Dorcelien
Features Editor

         Eighteen year old senior at Panther Creek High School Madison Jones, like many others, has recognized the potential of social media to share personal stories and spread positive messages. But Jones turned her thoughts into action, and on July 27, 2016 she successfully became the founder of Girl Connect, an online platform and application that is “an open book for every female to share a personal story.”
      According to the Girl Connect website, Girl Connect stemmed from the idea of creating a platform for “connecting and helping females from all walks of life.” Posted on her website in the form of a letter to her viewers and social media followers, Jones wrote, “I want females all around the world of all ages to connect, get and/or give advice, lift one another up, share views or opinions on topics they feel strongly about, [and] share personal experiences or stories whether they are good or bad that could possibly help someone going through the same thing or something similar.” Jones has now received thousands of page-views after jump starting a “snowball effect” that began with her friends.

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          As an avid follower of Girl Connect since early August who has read many stories that highlight themes of hope, overcoming, and personal successes, I say that Jones has made a positive difference in the lives of all Girl Connect followers. Whether they decide to share their personal stories or not, readers are allowed the peace-of-mind that they are not really so different from the other women surrounding them. I find that majority of the stories hold a message to them, or a silver-lining, that allows the readers to learn from the experiences of others in all sorts of ways. One of Apex High School’s own students, Lauren Massaro, contributed a post to the site earlier this fall.
       Jones welcomes females to share stories about their careers, passions, hobbies, and journeys. She also welcomes video submissions. I encourage all girls to take a look at the Girl Connect website and share their own stories if they feel that it could help someone else.