Growing up in the 2000s was not the easiest thing for a shy, self-conscious girl. When I was younger my main role models, outside of my family, were Disney princesses and Barbie dolls.

Disney princesses inspired me to follow my heart. Recently, every one is applauding “Frozen” for celebrating female empowerment and the bonds of sisterhood. While I love “Frozen” and recognize its themes, I was already exposed to similar themes at a young age thanks to the Disney movies, “Lilo and Stitch” and my personal favorite, “Mulan.” Lilo’s spunky and dramatic personality and the way she fought with her older sister were very relatable to me and my big sisters. Mulan was an inspiration to me because she was willing to risk her own life to protect her family. She also proved that a girl could be as strong as a man.

Even though Disney has provided inspirational stories, there are still people that criticize the appearance of Disney princesses. There are also people that criticize Barbie dolls, which is why earlier this year Mattel came out with the new versions of Barbie that include petite, curvy and tall.

I personally think that adults have lost sight of the purpose of dolls and princesses. They are simply there to expand the imagination of young girls. They are not there to make young, impressionable girls feel self-conscious or to think that they should wait around for a man. Disney movies are not there to teach young girls to be dainty and ladylike. They are there to inspire.

During my childhood, my sisters and I never wished that we could sing like a princess or be as thin as a Barbie doll. We just played and enjoyed being little. We could spend hours with our dolls and be in a different world. And just because we did not sound like a Disney Princess, it did not prevent us from belting out their songs out at the top of our lungs.

Childhood goes by so quickly and I think it is even more important now than ever that young girls have appropriate role models. Recently, there is even more pressure on girls to look and act a certain way. Parents are searching for a scapegoat as to why their daughters are unhappy and why they think that they are not pretty enough for society.

Barbie and Disney never gave me any indication that I could not do anything I set my mind and heart to. With Barbie's countless careers and Disney princesses singing about following their hearts, I grew up being confident and not letting my gender or the way I look hold me back.

Growing up with my family inspiring me to be a confident woman with Barbie's career ambitions and Disney songs in my head is what led me to be the strong, motivated woman I am.