She may be most widely know as renowned bachelor George Clooney’s new wife, but Amal Clooney (previously Amal Alamuddin) is much more than just a piece of arm candy. In a time where celebrities gain fame for naked pictures and criminal records, Amal is a vision of elegance, intelligence and strength. She is a lawyer, well educated and, oh, serves on a United Nations commission or two. Mrs. Clooney is exactly the kind of figure needed to empower girls in today’s society and there are more than a few good reasons why she should be your new Beyoncé as well.   

She sticks to her guns. 

Earlier this year while arguing a case to get Al Jeezera reporters being held hostage in Egypt released, the Egyptian government threatened that if Amal criticized the judicial system in her case, she would face possible arrest. She didn’t back down, she saw something that was corrupt and faced it head on because she knew what was right. Now I’m not saying you should take on an entire nation’s government, but this is a principle that can be applied in anyone’s life. Extraordinary change comes from a person’s willingness to not back down when faced with resistance. Keep doing what you believe is right even when the odds are against you.  

She took time for herself. 

Amal didn’t get married until she was 36. She was kind of busy getting two law degrees and fighting for human rights around the world. Instead of settling down and following the “normal” path for a woman she did what she wanted. She made herself a stronger and better person on her own time. It is important to take time and focus on making yourself the person you like and not just finding someone you think makes you whole. Amal was comfortable with who she was and refused to settle for anything less than what she deserved. I think we can all agree that ending up with Mr. Clooney isn’t a half bad fate.   

She found something she was passionate about. 

Now every person might not be crazy about international law and extradition cases, but Amal Clooney is, and she has done incredible work doing something she is passionate about. I’m sure most of you have heard the adage “If you are doing what you love you will never work a day in your life” but I think that if you’re doing what you love, you will do great work is equally true. By dedicating yourself to something you care about you are going to put forth more effort and get exponentially more impressive results.

She dresses for herself. 

Amal’s style is a direct reflection of who she is as a person. She does not dress to impress her husband or the public; she styles herself in a way that represents her and represents her well. I believe this is something that in the long run could make everyone happier. Your outward style should be a mirror image of the personalities traits you are proud of.