I didn't realize I had been a feminist since I was five until my first year of college.

In kindergarten, the teacher read us a storybook that highlighted some of the funny things past presidents had done. At the end, the book mentioned how there had never been a president of color, or that it had taken 200 years for a woman to run for vice-president (remember, we're talking about the 90's). When the teacher closed the book, she turned and asked who among us would like to be president someday. I immediately raised my hand.

I was the only girl to do so. All the boys laughed.

The more I look back on that moment, the more I realize how much I have my mother to thank for the courage that was instilled in me; she's the one that gave me the strength to be an independent young woman. From an early age, I was told that I could do anything, and I never realized how inspiring that could be.

I realize though, that there are misconceptions about feminists. Even I held onto many of them for a long time, believing what I had always heard, coming from people who had never had a different view.

So, I'm here to debunk a few myths about feminism:

1. Feminism is about encouraging women to leave their significant others.
Actually, feminism is about encouraging women to know that who they are is not defined by who they are with. You are an amazingly complex person. Don't let yourself be defined by someone else's accomplishments.

2. Feminism is about practicing witchcraft. Seriously? This one is just ridiculous. Feminism is about doing what you love, and being treated as an equal for it. So you can study alongside anyone and become just as great a doctor, engineer, teacher, or anything else you desire. And if your desire does lead you to witchcraft, well... you do you, girl.

3. Feminism is about not letting women get into serious relationships. Wait, what? No! You can totally be a feminist and be married, have a boyfriend or just enjoy hooking up with guys in general. You can be a stay-at-home mom who juggles her kids after-school activities or a professional who isn't the settling-down type. Feminism is about having the opportunity to choose and not being judged for it.

4. Feminists don't shave, and don't bathe. Body hair is natural... so, I'm not really understanding this one? I also think everyone agrees that a hot shower always feels great—no matter who you are.

5. Feminism doesn't change anything. In fact, feminism would change a lot of things in the perfect world, the big one being the difference between how men and women are treated. The wage gap would disappear, as would slut-shaming and doing things "like a girl" wouldn't exist.

6. Feminists can only be women. While many feminists are women—Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Emma Watson—many feminists are also men—Joseph Gordon Levitt, John Legend, Ashton Kutcher. And for the record, feminism is the belief that men and women should have equal opportunities, so it is not limited to just the female gender.

In the end, to me, being a feminist is empowering. I am a strong, confident young woman, and while I enjoy sharing my life with someone, it's conditional on the fact that I am nobody's subordinate. A relationship is stronger when there are two equal parts, not just one.

Maybe one day I'll be president, or a rock star. I could travel the world, write a bestselling novel in my studio apartment in Florence, or I could be a happily married, working mom. But in whatever I do, I want to be considered an equal, not shamed because I'm proud of my independence.

I am a feminist because I'm worth it.

Are you?