To the journal of my mind:
Who am I if not a woman? Who am I if not the object of the male gaze that surrounds me? Who am I if I’m not true to myself?
In the silence of my bedroom, wrapped in a cozy blanket, I found myself engaged in a difficult conversation.
“My biggest strength is my education because, regardless of whether or not you choose to walk out of my life right now, my education is irrevocable,” I boldly stated.
As those words escaped my lips, a voice within me questioned, “woah, did I just say that?” The little girl inside me worried, “what if it was too mean?” But I quickly reassured myself, “it can’t be mean if it’s true.”
Throughout my life, I have come to realize that it’s never been easy. However, that’s not unique to me. Life isn’t easy for everyone. It’s the struggles we face that shape us into who we are.
“I want to work in a lab,” I declared.
“You can’t, you’re too young,” they said.
Three years later, the fire within me still burned. “I want to work in a lab,” I asserted.
“You can’t. Women don’t get those jobs, silly,” they scoffed.
Two more years passed, and my determination remained unwavering. “I want to work in a lab,” I proclaimed.
But they remarked, “your hair is too frizzy and unkempt,” subtly alluding to my ethnicity.
Who am I if I’m confined to societal expectations? Who am I if I must conform to predetermined roles of caregiver, provider, or a subservient woman? Who am I if I don’t adhere to what is traditionally expected of me?
I am me.
My education continues to be one of the most significant aspects of my life. Why? Because, regardless of what happens to me, my education and ambition remain steadfast.
No one can strip away my passion projects, my medals, my certificates, or my achievements. Above all, no one can take away my education. So why is it expected of me to marry a wealthy man and become a “great mother” to children I am not expected to financially support?
These expectations are chains that attempt to bind me, but I refuse to be confined. I reject the notion that my worth as a woman lies solely in my ability to fulfill traditional roles. I am capable of success, breaking barriers, and pursuing my dreams.
My education empowers me to forge my path, to challenge stereotypes, and to prove that women are just as capable in the lab, the boardroom, and every other domain previously deemed exclusive to men.
Dear Diary, today I reaffirm my commitment to myself. I will embrace my passion, pursue knowledge relentlessly, and defy the limitations imposed on me. I will shatter ceilings, uplift other women, and leave an indelible mark on the world.
As I write down these thoughts, it serves as a reminder that the challenges I encounter are not exclusive to me. Numerous women out there go through similar experiences, battling against societal limitations and refusing to let their aspirations fade away.
To the journal of my mind, this is not just my narrative, but also a tribute to the fortitude and resiliency of all women who dare to dream, who will not be silenced, and who pursue excellence in the face of difficulty.
As I close this chapter of my diary, I carry with me the knowledge that I am not alone in this journey. And with each step I take, I am breaking expectations, forging my own path, and shaping a world where every woman’s voice is heard and celebrated.
Yours truly,
Danae
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