As a woman beginning a career in an industry designed for men, I can only stress one thing: assert yourself.

Filmmaking specifically is designed by men, for men, but some women have defied the odds, and I plan to follow suit with that. Confidence is key, and I'll explain why.

This is the same for men and women, or anyone facing any type of challenge because you are in a position of minority in the profession you have decided to pursue: you deserve to be there, and you are more than "allowed" to follow your passion. Quite frankly, I think it's bullsh*t that concepts such as minority stigmas even exist, but the fact that only one woman ever has won an Academy Award for Best Director is a cold hard fact that sexism, specifically in Hollywood, is indeed "a thing." The Oscars have been happening since 1929. Do you realize how absolutely ridiculous that is?

You know what though, Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win that award, beat out her ex-husband, James Cameron, and took home the Oscar for Best Picture, as well as four others that night. She also was radiating with confidence. There's something to be learned there: I'm not saying strive for an Oscar award, I'm saying assert yourself and know that you are capable, day to day, to rock at what you do and STICK IT TO THE MAN, or men in this case.

I've apologized on sets I've worked on before because I can't physically do something that requires someone over the height of where I sit at 5' nothing. That ended quickly, when I realized that I owe absolutely no one an apology. Just because I am not physically capable of everything, doesn't mean I can't do my job, or compete with the men that do the same job that I do. It's become more and more prevalent that men think women aren't capable when they ask, "Oh, wow, you got that? Do you need help?" when it is clear that I am more than okay handling what I am doing. IF I need help, I will ask for it. IF.

So, sorry not sorry about all the feminism that's radiating through my words. I just want women and men alike to realize that we are all human. Sexual orientation, race, tall, short, fat, thin, OR genitals DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What makes the difference is what is inside of your head. Drive, passion, hard work, perseverance, MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. If you can keep that in mind, you will be well on your way to success. Confidence is hard to come by when you constantly feel inadequate, but that's for you to look past, as well as the people who bring you down to knock it off.

Assert yourself, you are more than enough.