International Women's Day

March 09, 2021

International Women's Day

Since International Women’s Day was yesterday, Mads and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk about the influential women in our lives. What better way to celebrate?!

If you didn’t know, International Women’s Day has been a thing since 1911. It was first recognized by Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland and stemmed from women becoming more vocal about the inequality they were facing (ie. voting rights, better pay). Although much progress has been made since women started advocating for their rights, women are still not paid the same amount as men, women are still underrepresented in politics and business, and women’s education/health/violence against them are worse than men (History of IWD).

Each year, there’s a theme for the IWD campaign. This year, it was “Choose to Challenge.” I choose to challenge women’s body image. Body image is a topic I am very passionate about as I struggled with it since I was in middle school. I hate the diet culture our society has and how social media makes it so easy for us women to compare our bodies to those of other women. Everybody is beautiful. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). IWD is also the perfect day to donate to female-focused charities. Click here to learn more.

Now, to meet my team of women who inspire me to be strong, independent, and kind; who push me outside my comfort zone; who encourage me to chase after my dreams; who refuse to let me settle for less than what I deserve. First off - my momma. Growing up, we would butt heads all the time (courtesy of both being stubborn), but I also didn’t know how to communicate how I felt and was unaware of my anxiety diagnosis (more on that in a later post perhaps). Since college, she has become my best friend to who I can’t not tell things to. Our favorite pastimes include going to zoos together, experimental photoshoots, and watching Tik Toks that make us laugh until we cry.

Next up, my middle school English teacher - Niki. 7th grade me had no idea that she would continue to be a huge part of my life after college graduation. She really encouraged me to stay true to myself during the awkward middle-school-trying-to-fit-in-phase. She saw part of herself in me. Her support helped me find the courage to share to my peers that I have a book blog (back then, I was basically labeling myself as a nerd; I don’t care about that label anymore because, whatever, it’s true). When I found her backstage at one of my dance recitals, I was beyond confused, but also relieved. Turns out, she is close friends with two other women on my team. My favorite moment with her was when I performed my senior dance solo with her watching from behind the curtains. She was one of the first few people I hugged after I ran off stage and I vividly remember her telling me how proud of me she was. Since I started interning at zoos, she has made the effort to visit with her family and see me in action. I can easily say she’s one of my biggest cheerleaders.

These next two women have been in my life for what seems like forever… and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My dance instructors, Cally & Ally, have seen me at my worst and at my best. They have seen my potential when I haven’t. They push me to never settle. They are there to celebrate with me and be a shoulder to cry on. They offer advice when I need it the most because they’ve been there, done that. They’ve shown up to my prom, my high school graduation, and would’ve been at my college graduation if we had had a commencement (S/O COVID). I know they will continue to show up to my major life milestones in the future because that’s the type of women they are. They are two of the strongest women I know that have shown me not to take crap from anyone or let anyone treat me like crap.

Woman number five was my youth mentor at church during high school - Cheri. She is someone who has encouraged me to speak up and advocate for myself. Since moving back home after college, we have grabbed coffee/protein shakes almost monthly to catch up (which is my fave even if it’s hella early in the morning on my days off; it’s worth it). She’s able to relate to me on a different level because our dads have/had the same occupation. It’s refreshing to hear that we’ve been through similar things… then, I feel less crazy.

Finally, my hall director from UWSP - Brittany. I am so grateful to have had such a fun, creative, supportive woman to be my supervisor for two years. She was right by my side as I clawed my way through pointless drama (because boys are dumb) and reminded me on a daily basis that I had plenty of time to meet someone/never to settle. She was willing to be there for me if I needed someone to talk to and was always up to grab Starbucks with me. Speaking of which, Starbs date before I move to the East Coast and can no longer afford it?!

Now, if you haven’t noticed yet, I love making lists. Specifically, favorites lists. I know that Mads and I already did a March list of favorites (our favorite childhood books here and here), but I couldn’t help but whip one up for IWD...

Female Singer: Lady Gaga
Female Author: Sarah Dessen
Actress: Anne Hathaway
Female Comedian: Tiffany Haddish