Growing up there have been many women in my family who have inspired me, as well as friends, but there are also famous women that have inspired me and continue to inspire me everyday. I think that when you are famous you have a platform to create change for the world and these five women are doing that everyday.
1. Megan Rapinoe
Ever since the 2010 World Cup, I have looked up to Rapinoe. This was the time in my life that I was really trying to figure myself out. I thought that I couldn't continue in sports if I was gay because I thought that it was going to be too difficult for me. I gained strength through Rapinoe though. She first inspired me because she was openly gay in the sport of women's soccer, but she continues to inspire me because she isn't afraid to be herself no matter what. She shows her true colors on social media everyday and, whether gay or not, I believe that she could inspire anyone to be their true authentic selves.
2. Ellen Degeneres
I have been watching Ellen for years, along with many others. I watch her because of her sense of humor and because she believes in equality for all. She was the first woman in her industry to come out as openly gay and although she had setbacks, she pushed through them. She is a courageous woman and has helped many people in a variety of ways.
3. Emma Watson
A lot of people know Emma as Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. I, unfortunately, never really got into Harry Potter, but I think that Emma is an amazing role model for so many young woman across the nation. She could have easily went on and used her acting skills, but instead she chose to get an education and graduated from Brown University with a degree in English Literature. I find that truly amazing, however, she inspires me because she strives for gender equality, something that is very important to me. She stands as a voice for all women. She is very intelligent and she is using her brains to change the world.
4. Teri Polo
When I started watching The Foster's I became very fond of Teri's character, Steph, but it wasn't until I watched interviews of her off screen that I was inspired by her. She is so open to people loving people no matter who they are and I couldn't agree with her more. The world is so full of hate and could use a lot more love. Teri is a great example of what an ally should be for the LGBT community.
5. Michelle Obama
I recently tweeted, "Can I vote for Michelle Obama?" and although I was joking, the more I thought about it, I truly wish she was an option! I never really paid attention to Michelle until this election, but I could listen to her speak for hours. She is one of the most powerful women in the world and uses that power for good in the world. Her speech at the Democratic National Convention is when she really inspired me. I am an aspiring public speaker and listening to her speech gave me chills. She spoke so elegantly and never had to mention her enemies' name to get her point across. The speech was flawless and it was in that moment that I realized how truly special she was to America.
These five women are changing the world everyday and have inspired me so much. They truly are using their platforms to inspire young women every day. I am so happy that I not only have family and friends to look up to, but also famous women who care more about the world they live in than their fame at the end of the day. I aspire to be like them.
