Many people all around the country are either celebrating right now or are in great despair over this past election. While I will not preach my political views right now, what I do know is that our new elected president has made many crude remarks about women and minorities. As a young women myself, I can only imagine what mothers must be feeling right now for their young daughters. Their daughters will grow up with a president who believe that it is okay to “grab a woman by her pu**y.”
As an early childhood educator myself, I have seen how impressionable these young girls are and I value them for everything they bring to the table. These girls are our future. They are the ones we will leave this country to. And in a time like this, I want young girls to understand a few things.
1. You will always matter
People will always try to knock you down. They will do anything they can to make you submit. Whether this be to raise themselves up or any other reason, you will always matter, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.
2. No one can kill your dreams
Dream big and dream often no matter what people tell you. If you want to go out and be the first woman president, or the first person to step a foot on Mars, you go do it! When you set your mind to something, you can achieve whatever you want.
3. Ask questions
The only way you will learn more is if you ask questions. I have observed that a lot of young children ask lots of questions, but as adults we begin to not question as much. I wonder what causes this a lot of times. But despite what anyone may tell you, never stop questioning. If something doesn't seem right to you, question why people are doing things. There is no consequence to asking.
4. Just because the President says it, does not mean it is correct
Contrary to popular belief: just because the President says something, does not make it true. The President is just another person, and like everyone else, they have their own opinions. This never means that you always have to listen to what they say.
5. Your gender does not define who you are
As a young women, you will be denied things and told that you cannot do things just because of your gender. The people who say these things are totally and 100% wrong. Never listen to them. Don't be afraid to dance to the beat of your own drum and walk by anyone who tells you you can’t do something.
6. Speak up!
The only way you will ever be heard is if you speak up! If you see something that seems wrong to you, or you see someone doing something that you don't agree with, you have to speak up and let them know your opinion. Just make sure when you speak your mind, attack their idea, don't attack the person.
7. You are loved
This is quite self explanatory. No matter what you think, there will always be someone out there who loves you to the end of the world and back.
I believe that Secretary of State and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said it best when she said “And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful, and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.”
