My Story: Women's Empowerment

Recently in my life I have been exposed to many new experiences. Experiences that I never would have sought out if it was not for them being extra credit, a chance to earn a point within my sorority, or a mandatory commitment. These experiences have forced me to take a step back from my day to day life and truly evaluate what I like and dislike, what I am truly passionate, and if this is the life I believe I am supposed to lead.  

At the beginning of the of the school year I was beyond excited to see friends, go out on the weekends to different social events, and being completely independent. Grades and school were always the priority however, I never really felt that there was really any other option than do well in school, get a job, and create a career. What I am saying is, school was not a passion so much as an obligation. I took my education, college experience, and the life that I live for granted. I also realized that almost all of my friends and co-workers do the same. 

Due to the fact that I am involved STEP, Business Scholars, Kappa Alpha Theta, ASH, and so many more organizations, many extra curricular events to my extra curricular events are mandatory. I was never passionate or excited about them. I also am taking two courses that are similar in what they discuss. Women's Studies as well as a Leadership course. I hate to be that student who takes a class because it is reported as being an "easy A" but I admit that is why I scheduled both of these classes. Needless to say, I did not do it out of passion. You as the reader may be questioning my involvement, motivation, and leadership abilities if there is no "umph" behind my actions but I did not realize it yet. 

About a month ago I began to evaluate myself (Due partially to the Leadership course that I am in as well as the many documentaries, speaker series, and lectures of my woman's studies class). These facts that I have presented to you were not at all obvious to me before I began my journey. I initially decided to reflect on my life and where it was going. My goals were to obtain an internship/ job offer with a big four accounting firm in New York, get invited to attend  two of the big four's "leadership conferences" for sophomores, and be able to sit/ pass the CPA the summer after I graduate. These were my main priorities and my plan for the next five years. I looked at these and asked myself... why?. The answer was, so I will one day be able to have a steady income and create a better life for my future family than I had. As good as that sounds the information that I had recently started absorbing told me that I could do something more. I could change the lives of many for good. I realized finally what I was truly passionate about. 

Women's empowerment particularly in the under developed world. I am not saying that women in these parts of the world are helpless and week. Rather the opposite. I believe them to be the strongest types of people in the world. Women and girls bear the brunt of every negative statistic presented from Aids/Hiv, sexual violence, childhood slavery, basic human rights, and lack of education.

Suddenly finding what inspired me has changed my perspective on everything. After watching Girl Rising (a documentary focusing on girls in poverty around the world) I look at my clothes, pencils, and every amenity that I have in my life so much differently. I also have been making a conscious effort to make sure that I appreciate every opportunity I am given and am thankful for everything. 

So, you may be thinking.. well you have some great ideas and your re-evaluation was really great but what are you planning on doing about it. Well a few things. This summer I have decided to intern with Girl Rising in New York to promote the film which will change girls lives all around the world as well as intern with a non profit that sends interns all around the world. I will specifically be going to Kenya/ Uganda to work with women in the field of micro finance. Meaning I will be helping women become small business leaders, agricultural producers, and providing them with an education that can help them to better their lives and the lives of their children. 

In the end I hope you can enjoy my experiences and start to reflect on your life and what is truly going to motivate you to wake up each morning. Also never forget to spread social change!

-Brittany

Honest Reflection

The assignment of the week was... "Ask someone you know to give you honest leadership style feedback and reflect on how it felt to ask/ receive this information."

When I first heard this I got a little nervous. No one likes to hear their faults even if they are presented in a constructive way. On the other side, people are fearful of hurting others feelings and with that comes a lack of honesty. So my goal was to find someone who first off, would be completely honest, and second, someone who knew me well enough that I could assume that after the conversation things would not change. With the last point I mean, sometimes when faults are brought to the surface they are all that is focused on even in a different context.

I chose to ask a senior mentor in a business organization that I am apart of. I knew he would "tell it like it is" and give me advice on how he would recommend changing things as well as be positive in all aspects. We had our meeting and at first asking him to meet with me on this premise was a little daunting but I got over my fears and asked. So, at the beginning of the meeting he just described what he thought I was doing well at and then he started dissecting my leadership style. By the end of our conversation I was able to confidently know that I had at least three major aspects that needed to be adjusted.

In the time after the meeting I have been making a conscious effort to shift maybe the values and goals that I have as a leader as well as how things will be run between members of the executive boards that I am on as well as the members. I have already started to revise some outlining documents next semester for what I expect in my organizations as well as what I expect out of myself.

In the end, despite the initial fear, I am glad that I was assigned this topic. So far it will have been the most meaningful self reflection tool that I have taken out of this class.