As International Women’s Day is among us, I feel it is only right that we all take this time to celebrate the women around you and appreciate how they have shaped and continue to guide your story.
The leading ladies in my story have not only shaped me into the woman I am today but they also express what being a woman is so beautifully and continue to support me in my growth.
Firstly, my mother is one of the most important people in my life. She became a single mother at a young age and yet still managed to have two children who both succeeded at university, run a beautiful home, thrive in any job given to her and overall embody strength and empowerment. I cannot begin to imagine becoming a mother at my current age and so I completely admire her compassion and drive as I know that it is something of which I am not yet capable. She most definitely does not give herself enough credit for what she has accomplished and that is something that international women’s day has the ability to shed light on. She has so many dreams and aspirations and I just wish for her to see herself in the way that I see her as she goes through life with so much dignity and power. I feel as though as time goes on, I begin to understand the impact she has on my life and so wish to think of her this international women’s day.
Secondly, I wish to reflect on the incredible influence my gran has had on my life. My gran is absolutely the backbone of the family as she is the most naturally caring, organised, smart, nurturing woman I have ever met. My gran’s support has been a constant, guiding force that has shaped my journey through life’s endeavours. In her, I find a role model whose qualities I aspire to embody as I navigate the complexities of growing older. Her resilience is nothing short of inspiring; she confronts challenges head-on, undeterred by obstacles, fuelling in me a sense of determination and drive. Witnessing her pursue her aspirations and goals with unwavering determination instils in me the importance of staying focused and resilient in the face of life’s challenges. I have always known that if I need anything then my gran is the person to turn to – she has the answers to every problem and issue whether it is a big challenge or even a small emotional strain she always knows what to do.
Lastly, I think it is important to acknowledge the significance of the recent women who have become an integral part of my life, particularly those I have forged meaningful friendships with during my university journey. These women have been there through the ups and downs of university life, teaching me the true meaning of friendship and the power of positive connections. These bonds formed during the chaos of freshers, late-night study sessions, shared laughter, and navigating the highs and lows of university life together are nothing short of treasures. In celebrating these female connections, I find not only joy but also the empowering strength that arises when women come together to uplift, inspire, and embark on the exciting adventure of self-discovery in the university landscape. The importance of having genuine relationships with people is key to be able to know that you can share everything with them, be supported in making choices both small and significant and even bond over things that women typically experience. I finally feel this shared recognition of what it means to be a woman and am so grateful that I get to surround myself with this every day. I cherish the moments of being able to live with these beautiful women through having debriefs together in each other’s rooms, putting on music and getting ready, helping each other pick outfits and knowing that their unwavering support is strong.
International Women’s Day is too often forgotten but I encourage you all to take the time to celebrate the women in your life, as I have done in this article, and most importantly make them aware of your appreciation towards their impact.