If I had to embrace a definition of success, it would be that success is making the best choices we can and having the confidence and passion to make them. I’m leaning in because it’s time to cheer on girls who want to sit at the head of the table.
Last night, I was given the opportunity to accept an award at this year’s Women’s HerStory Month Awards. I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out I was was nominated and accepted to receive an award. I had no idea who nominated me, as it was kept a secret. Amy Weinstein, my boss, nominated me, and gave a wonderful speech celebrating all of my successes on campus. She touched upon everything from how far I have taken the career center office to the attention I bring to women’s issues on our campus.
I am such a believer in women. I may call myself a feminist for many reasons. But, before I name off a few reasons, let’s better define the word feminist. In my words, it’s totally not the men-hating definition which many have coined this century. To me, feminism is just having belief that women have just as many rights as men and deserve to have a seat at every meeting, at the dinner table, and in senate.
Last night, the award I received, recognized that I believe women should start to lean in and have a say. I will never, ever be quiet at a meeting. I would actually rather be in a room full of men so I have more of a challenge to prove myself just as good.
Thank you to Toby Simon, director of the women’s center on campus, for putting on such an amazing night and HerStory month in general. Thank you to Amy who recognized my accomplishments and was not afraid to lean in and stand up to say I deserve an award.
I am surrounded my such powerful women in my life-from my family to my coworkers to my friends. Every one of you have inspired me in so many ways to lean in and bring attention to women’s issues.
Thank you to my family (above) and boyfriend (below) who gives me endless support in anything I do. I am so proud to be your daughter, sister, girlfriend, and granddaughter. I wouldn’t want to be loved by anyone else, I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. And to Poppy, I know you are so so so proud of me. I could feel you looking down on me all last night, it was so comforting. I miss you so much!
