A Reflection on the Pandemic — It’s Effects on My Mental Health
by Kiran Jagtiani
Gulabi Gang: India’s Vigilante Warriors
By Raiaa Bhalla
Raiaa is a 14 year old high school student from India. She enjoys reading, art, theatre, debate and is a passionate student of karate. She loves researching and discussing current events and world issues. She is passionate about gender equality and hopes to create a more equal world.
The Gulabi Gang is revolutionizing the idea of an empowered woman in India, and even if some disagree on the methods being implemented, the impact these ladies have left is undeniable.
What The Election of Kamala Harris Means To Me
The election of Kamala Harris means that young women, like me, have a living and breathing example of a woman holding the second most powerful position in the country. For women of color it is even more profound to see her breaking so many different barriers. Vice-President elect Harris is the first woman of color to run for vice president of the U.S. and the first woman to win. After her memorable moments on stage, I know she won’t be the last. It is so inspiring to see how far she’s come from growing up as the daughter of immigrants raised by a single mom. Her qualified, rational, and strong characteristics are spotlighted when she speaks showing girls how to command and claim their power. During the Vice Presidential debate, Vice President Mike Pence continually spoke over Vice-President elect Harris. Instead of accepting his interruptions, she calmly
My Mom Is My Female Role Model
If you were to meet my mom, it might come as a surprise that behind the pink suits, pearl earrings, and perfectly painted nails is a woman who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Underneath the sparkle loving, fur coat wearing fashionista is not a woman with an affluent upbringing, but rather a frugal one in Montville, CT, with her chickens, and pigs, and the influence of her “nothing is impossible” parents.
Limitless by Neya Krishna
A Tribute To Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The loss of RBG is something I can’t even put into words. She is someone I greatly admired, someone whose simple presence commanded inspiration. I already miss her. Immensely. It’s disappointing that this extraordinary woman can’t even be properly mourned because everyone is nervous about who will replace her, rightfully so, but I think she deserves more. I wrote this piece last night, an ode to a fighter and to my first superhero ❤️ You will never be forgotten.
Learning Self-Worth
By Ranease Brown, 17, Bridgeport CT, LiveGirl Intern, LiveGirl since 2015
At seventeen years old, I am unlearning and learning how to love and accept myself. LiveGirl has been a huge part of my growth. I have been with this organization since 2015, when I was only twelve, and I have learned so much about confidence. I have learned how to manifest and use affirmations in my daily life to build myself up. I have found such a bright light of a community to lift up young girls that are, and were, just like me. I am able to plant seeds of confidence, positivity, power, and acceptance within these girls.
Learn to Ask Questions & Embrace Uncertainty
by Sydney Santos, LiveGirl Marketing Intern, Sacred Heart University ‘20
I have learned that although having a plan is always good, there's only so much we can actually rely on. Going with the flow is something I haven’t always been good at, I like structure and certainty. But 2020 has taught me to live in the moment and take each situation day by day, prepare for the future- but if an expectation isn’t met it’s not the end all be all. After all, I’m 22, this is my time to learn and experience everything I can. Here’s to the last four months of 2020, and whatever learning opportunities come our way.
See Something, Say Something, DO Something
By Victoria Iparraguirre, Manhattan School of Music ‘22 and LiveGirl Communications Intern
While 2020 has been a rocky year for all of us in many regards, I can fully say it has been one of the best years of my life in terms of personal growth. With all of this time on our hands, my ideas and creativity have gone into full bloom. With the recent events of the Black Lives Matter movement, I was so incredibly moved by the support my city has shown and as a result, I was inspired to hold my own event.
Respond, Don't Just React
By Micayla Roth, LiveGirl Intern
There is nothing we can do to reverse the chaos of COVID-19’s impacts that have shaken the world, but what we can do is take the opportunity to step back and question the ways in which we’ve lived our lives, and how we can make positive changes both for ourselves and those around us.
Listen, Learn, Act: Racism in America
By Dr. Vida Samuel, PhD. LiveGirl Board Member and Professor at University of Connecticut, Stamford
A sustainable world depends on our ability to have this conversation often, reasonably and acknowledge, that even when we may not share similar narratives, our standing as human beings demands mutual respect as a human obligation. We must force ourselves to do equal amounts of the emotional work required for a more racially-just world.
