Go ahead. Tell me I am worthless and that I have no value to anything or anyone. Tell me I don't respect myself or I present myself in a way that you do not like. Tell me how being a woman means I do not have the same worth in society. Really, go ahead tell me. However, expect for me to say something right back.

You can put me down, call me names or do whatever else it is you feel you have the right to do. One thing you cannot do? Take away my voice.

As a woman growing up in the 21st century, I have been pulled in every direction. I have seen the rise in women leaders in our world and seen women strut across this planet, spreading the message of empowerment. On the same token, I have also seen women told to stop talking or to answer to their men counterparts. I have been told to stay quiet because I am "just a girl" and I've also been told to stand strong because I am a woman and it is the age of feminism. I choose the latter.

I choose my strength, my independence, my strong values and my voice. My voice is loud and it deserves to be heard.

I, like any other person or should I say man, have a right to stand up against the harsh words you may choose to throw in my face.

You choose to call me a self-entitled girl who has had everything handed to her? I will use my voice to tell you how false that allegation is and that obtaining all of the "luxuries" I have was done by me and no one else. Let me tell you something, it certainly was not easy.

You choose to look at my low-cut shirt and tell me I am "asking for it." Asking for what exactly? Most certainly not your opinion. I am asking to wear a shirt I purchased based on how much I liked it. I am asking to be able to wear that shirt since I did spend my hard earned dollar on it. I am not asking for you to ridicule me. Take away my voice and I wouldn't get the chance to help you realize you are wrong.

You choose to tell me I am weak because I am a girl. My voice will tell you that yes, my body may not contain the genetic hormones that allow men to obtain this natural strength but I can certainly work towards being able to flip you over my shoulder. I'll look at you and laugh at the notion that you thought I was weak.

You can choose to call me names. You can choose to tell me I am nothing or that I am weak or that I will never reach the level of a man. All of this is your choice and I am certainly not one to take away someone's choices. I won't silence you. I will not tell you your opinion is invalid or that everything you are saying is out of your you-know-what.

What I will tell you is, I, too have a voice. I will choose to use my voice. I will choose to fight back. And guess what? Silencing me is definitely not your choice.