The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a Masonic Youth organization for young women ages eleven to twenty. We stress the values of service and having faith in God. Go to gorainbow.org to receive more information on our beautiful and to find an assembly near you.

Grand Assembly is a week away here in North Carolina, and with that comes a lot of excitement and stress. During this time, we'll go from catching up with sisters from across the state, to staying up way to late trying to finish last minute details of a Grand Rep costume or a toast for a luncheon. Before we go get ready for the exciting couple of days we're about to jump into, let's take a moment to look at some lessons we've all learned at some point.

1. Bobby pins and hair spray are two of the most important things to always have on you.

You never know when your hair will fall apart, or when a fellow sister will need to break into your stash because she forgot hers. Always have some with you.

2. One of the other most important items to have is NUDE colored undergarments.

White formals are a staple item in our wardrobes. Wearing any other color under them would be a MAJOR mistake.

3. You will always say your memory work faster during go time.

Nerves get the best of us. So when you're practicing your part, take things slower than you think you need to. It'll lead to a better performance and you'll feel more confident while actually giving the lecture.

4. Head up, shoulders back. Walk with confidence.

Is there any other way to walk on the floor? No, not there is not.

5. Corners are made to be squared.

Not rounded, not in a triangle shape. But squared.

6. The mother advisors can see everything.

You may think that they aren't around and can't see what you're doing. But they can. They are not only mothers, but I'm sure they have some ninja in them too.

7. Aprons are a MUST at any meal where a formal is involved.

Food and gowns do not normally mix well together. Having an apron ready to go when you're eating at any point is a great way to keep your gown protected.

(Tori, I love you.)

8. You can never own too many formals.

Adding another formal to your closet is like adding another pair of pants. It's natural at this point. And you know that there will be a perfect occasions to wear what you just bought.

9. An office is just a title. There is more to rainbow than the memory work.

There's the service you dedicate your life to. There are the sisters you meet and the bonds you create. There's the countless times you've gone into stores together in formals because one of you forgot something really important at home. The road trips (getting lost in DC), the inside jokes. Beyond the title of Worthy Advisor or Grand something, rainbow is about the life you have dedicated yourself to live. It's about the other members you meet and bond with. Without fully dedicating yourself to service and to the order, and without the members you meet and bond with, having a station or title would not be possible.

10. Rainbow is your family. They are always going to be there for you.

Throughout everything you can imagine, your Rainbow family will always be there for you. They will always love you and care about you. No matter how far you wonder, you'll always have your family to come home to.