As we celebrate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, I wrote down seven things every girl must know that are key to helping her become successful.
1. Recognize your value and self-worth
At age six, I was called dull and a failure by my class teacher. She reminded me every day through her words and actions that I didn’t fit into the class of female students the school needed. My skin colour was a problem to her and to many others. I wasn’t just that girl, but for a long time, I believed nothing good could come out of me. Years later, our paths crossed again and she couldn’t believe I was the same girl she had taught. The truth is, a lot happened in between. But the game changer was that I recognized my value and self-worth.
Your values and self-worth are what make you significant as a person. Recognizing and embracing them can make a world of difference for you, just as it did for me.
2. Invest in gaining knowledge
The greatest thing you can do for yourself as a young girl is to invest in being knowledgeable. Because in this world, knowledge gives you an advantage. You can only rise to the degree of knowledge you have.If you want to become a scientist, artist, teacher, or follow any career path, your excellence will always be determined by how much you know. So, girl, before you chase fame, chase knowledge. Every other thing will follow. Prioritize your education. Buy and read books. Find mentors, coaches, and teachers. They have the power to transform your life.
3. Dream big and act boldly
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Now imagine what happens to those who don’t dream at all. They will have nothing to believe in.
Please, permit yourself to dream. And have the courage to take actions that lead you closer to those dreams.
4. Live
Many teenage girls we work with at Her Voice Foundation who became mothers early often tell me they wish they had waited. They weren’t ready for the responsibility that comes with motherhood.
Please, live truly. Experience the joy that comes with being a girl, and take things one step at a time. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to jump from being a girl to being a woman. You will only be this way once in your lifetime. Enjoy it.
5. Get up
Girl, the excuses waiting to keep you on the ground are many. But this world will never experience your light if you don’t rise above them and act.
Stand up for yourself, for your dreams, and for all you believe in.
6. Your failures do not define you
Failing simply means you are trying. When I was younger, I faced many rejections and sometimes thought my failures defined me. But with time, I realized that failure is a stepping stone to greatness. I began to see every no as room for improvement, a call to become a better version of myself. Every failure shapes you. Fail, learn, and keep moving forward
7. Be yourself
As a young girl, culture defined how girls should behave, act, dress, and be. If you weren’t at parties or wearing what others wore, you were tagged “not fitting in.” Years later, I have found that being counter-cultural and having a mind of my own is one of the best ways to stand out. It’s okay to be you. Be the best version of yourself. Seek mentorship and guidance to refine who you want to become. You’re not odd or off point, you are becoming.
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