In an article I penned in August 2015 titled "Why I Actually Loved Going To An All-Girls' School: A Memoir," I detailed the various memories and moments that emotionally connected me to my high school experience at Harpeth Hall in Nashville, Tennessee. Since then, I've received many comments, emails, and messages from various Harpeth Hall (and all girls' school) alums, who recognized pieces of their own experiences at Harpeth Hall in my article. I haven't, however, heard from the single most recognizable woman herself: Reese Witherspoon. Two years after I graduated from the prestigious college-prep school, Harpeth Hall had some great transitions. One of which was surprising current students with a special guest like no other. Lo and behold, Reese Witherspoon stood on the same stage I had danced on for six years; the same stage she had spent hours upon hours perfecting her craft in theater; the same stage many girls have and will continue to walk on throughout the years.
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Reese Witherspoon has become a vocal advocate for gender equality and female empowerment. Perhaps her experience at Harpeth Hall is the foundation for her belief system -- and I believe so because of a speech she gave to the girls in November. Yes, I am slightly (or ever more than slightly) bitter that I missed out on the opportunity to watch one of my favorite actresses and leaders take to the podium I gave my speech on just two years before. But I have been lucky enough to read a transcript of her speech online. By the way, it's fantastic.
To sum it up, here are a few words of advice Witherspoon gave to girls everywhere:
1. Be brave.
2. Explore openly.
3. Try new things.
4. Listen to your teachers, even when you're not in school.
5. Work to the best of your ability.
6. Embrace mistakes.
7. Follow your passion.
8. Learn how to invest money and pay your own bills.
9. Be a vocal participant in conversation -- speak your mind.
10. "Be honest. Be graceful. Be yourselves."
I would like to thank Reese Witherspoon for using her highly visible platform to address female empowerment. Bringing awareness to the issue is the only way we can find a solution. So thank you, Reese, for taking the time to send this message to our high school alma mater.
Her final point is crucial for both women and men: be yourself. Use your voice for good and spread positive vibes wherever you can.
Just think, If Elle Woods can learn to do it, you can too.
