At first I was going to write a funny, satirical piece about my experience as a feminist.

But each time I began to write, nothing would really stick on my page. I kept wondering out loud what was holding me back, especially on a topic I really care about.

It wasn't until I talked with my dad that the problem was pointed out to me. Instead of poking fun at myself in hopes of getting people to open up about feminism, I need to talk about this the way I want, from the heart.

Thank you Dad, for helping me realize that it's far better to be honest with who you are than try to fit in a mold you were never meant to fit in to.

Feminism: The belief in or advocacy of women's social, political, and economical rights, especially with regard to equality of the sexes.

To me, feminism isn't a dirty word or something to scurry away from. It's a powerful word that I proudly stand with.

Feminism means so much more to me than a single definition can explain.

It means an end to the use of sayings like "don't be a pussy," because feminine descriptions and qualities shouldn't be used to make someone feel inferior to another.

It means having the same sexual lifestyle as my male friends without the social stigma of being called a slut.

It means being respected for my political views instead of questioned.

It means an end to "wifey material."

It means not having my sexuality questioned because I take a stance on social equality.

It means walking into a school and not being asked to change because my bra strap is distracting to my male classmates.

It means teaching men to respect their wives, sisters, daughters and friends instead of teaching girls that they need to watch how they dress their own bodies.

It means having both a career and a family and not being asked to choose one.

It means an end to men coming up and saying "you're too pretty to be working so hard."

It means believing that women can and will accomplish anything men can do if they set their minds to it.

And lastly, it means men and women standing together; equal and without question.