My little sister is turning fourteen in a few days. She is fierce, intelligent, talented, creative, and every other good thing in this world. She is confident and strong and believes that she can accomplish anything and everything she puts her mind to. We both were raised that way, just like the millions of other growing girls.
When we were younger, we were asked what we wanted to be when older. Our answers used to be a princess, fairy, queen, or something of the sort. It later changed to a movie star, a teacher, a doctor, and even president. Our parents looked at us with big eyes and wide smiles and confidently agree with our choices. Unfortunately, the latter was impossible for my sister and me, or so it seemed.
The first girl president I came to know was my classmate who was elected to be our eighth grade class president. She was absolutely brilliant at her job (a word that I don’t use very often because it is very rare to come across people “deserving” of it). She had an incredible work ethic, carried out every single responsibility with grace, extended a helping hand to anyone in need, and she did it all without complaining. I admired her and was in awe with how she carried herself and everything else so well. Fortunately, I learned a lot from her and was able to take on the role as senior class president, and she became student body president. The senior class council and student body council consisted of eight extremely hardworking and strong-willed girls who just would not give up until everything was completed to perfection. We put in our hours, collaborated with each other, and took the stand that was expected of us. However, there were times when we were --when I was-- labeled as bossy or nagg-y, as if having a good head on our shoulders to carry out our duties wasn't a good enough reason to be adamant and confident. I realized that girls who took on leadership positions had to put in a more effort to be appreciated enough, and this wasn’t just at my school, but more of a universal standard.
Why are girls and women held back so much? Why are our abilities underestimated? We’ve proven time and time again that we are just as capable as the man you’re probably going to give the job to, if not more. But the thing is, we are not even surprised by such situations anymore-- it has become a part of our existence to live in the shadow of men and hope that once in a while we are recognized.
The disappointing result (in my opinion) of this election, has proven that society just cannot bring itself to accept a woman with an enormous a lifetime of credentials, experience, and education as a leader. This is just because there is a looming fear that she can and will make history and make more progress than a man. Society has become so defensive of its ego that has been inflated by men. But it failed to move forward into an era of bringing women to a platform where they can express their talent, mind, and brilliance not only with grace but with strength and power.
With Hillary Clinton’s loss came a wave of shock throughout the country, but I think people expected it, nonetheless. I’ll be the first to say that I expected it - because I was sure that we hadn’t made enough headway to make such a monumental decision as a country. With her loss, came broken hearts and forgotten dreams.
But nonetheless, she is our champion. Because with her loss also came the victory of several women as they took positions of power in their respective states. With her loss came the strength that women all over the country admire and a mutual understanding that it is never a time to back down. Not now, not soon, not ever. This election affects young girls, like my sister, the most because they are the leaders of the future. To them, Hillary Clinton's loss to an undeserving man poses as a hinderance to their own growing capabilities. To those young girls who are hurt and discouraged, don't worry - you're incredible. Don't you dare let anyone put you down because you are so much better than all the negativity.
This is not just a man's world. Fight until you get your equal share. You must - we must - conquer all losses and use them as a fuel to take place as the queens we are meant to be. We've been doing it for years, and we will continue to do so. We’re going to get there. We’re going to make it, but until we do, we can’t stop. We won’t stop.
