Reflection on how an aspect of your identity has affected your life
Taylor Steward
8/27/20
Growing up I did not have a father in my life. It was tough I never had that parent who teaches you be tough or lets you know that if anyone messes with my little girl they better watch out. My mother essentially had to play the roles of mom and dad. She taught me from a young age to be tough, confident, and taught me how to take care of myself. Evidently I grew up being a very independent person. Which I thought was great. But, when high school came around I was told that being independent wasn’t right. Girls are supposed to be sensitive and the guy takes care of everything. I grew up in a world where that was never my reality. Watching the YouTube video there was one statement that really stood out to me, “Being a girl I can be strong and help my community.” I have always been rooted in the fact that I didn’t need anyone to take care of me when I had all of the tools to succeed right in front of me. Growing up in that atmosphere you can’t help but wonder is something I am doing wrong or am I not acting the way a woman should. I was constantly perplexed is this right is this wrong? Makes you ponder about who you are. That statement that she made really resonated with me because being a woman means strength for me. Growing up and having the experiences I had made me strong and I don’t need to feel bad for it. I can make that change in my community because I have all of the tools I need to succeed and so does everyone else.