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What It Means To Be Female

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will." 
— Charlotte Brontë (Jane Eyre)

I consider myself a feminist.

 No, not a feminist that wears pussy hats and goes around screaming about all the ways that men have wronged me. But, a feminist that believes in the power and influence of women and actively seeks out ways to develop myself, and others, to be strong females.

 I've been thinking about what it means to be a woman trying to be successful, and what success means to me. In my thinking, I've determined that as long as I am happy and the work that I am doing positively impacts those I am serving, I will be successful. I've determined that speaking up for myself and always trying to find the joy in a situation is key and that reminding myself that yes, I am female but also yes, that does not stop me from working to fulfill my ambitions and dreams. 

 Being female means when I am walking to the store close to dark, I should never wear headphones. Being female means when I go out on a date, I text my best friend the make, model, and license plate number of the guy's car. It means that the days where I don't put on makeup, people ask if I am feeling okay. It means that my story is overlooked in history, politics, religion, and accomplishments.

 But, being female also means that when a child is lost, I am the one they come to. It means being strong when problems arise. It means sisterhood and protecting other women. Being female means constantly being underestimated but then blowing everyone away.

 "I am no bird; and no net ensnares."

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