Hillary Clinton, 1995 UN Speech in Beijing
This week is one to be celebrated. No, it's not the end of travel season. No, it's not the end of the school year. This week, we cheered on ourselves and our fellow ladies during International Women's Week.
As ladies, I don't think we know when to stop doing. We are always trying to do something, save someone, make something. Sometimes we just need to pause. To take a moment to not only recognize ourselves, but recognize the amazing things we are accomplishing and the footprints each of us, in our own ways, are leaving on this world. I figured I'd put off this week's travel blog and take a moment to give a shout out to some of the women who have had an impact in my life.
It would be wrong of me to say I got to where I am today simply by myself. There have been many people in my life who not only encouraged me, but challenged me. Loved me, but kept me grounded, mentored me, pushed me and even a few who made me trip now and then.
There are a lot of women I admire. The list is not conclusive--it's constantly growing. It's filled with people close to me, people far away, women I've never met and some who know me better then I know myself.
First and foremost, of course, I'm going to say my Mother. As she likes to say, she gave me life. The lady raised me to become the woman I am today. She (along with Pops) instilled in me a quiet confidence and an independent streak. She put up with the growing pains of my childhood (there weren't that many...right Mom?) She laughed with me, cried with me and rejoiced with me. She taught me that I could do anything I put my mind to it---And she was right.
Except for math.
If you're shocked I put HRC on this list, clearly you don't know me well enough. Hillary and I go way back. I was in 4th grade the first time I wrote her. It was for a school project. We had to write letters to the White House. I still remember what mine said:
Dear Mrs. Clinton,
How are you? I think you are cool. Can Chelsea have sleepovers at the White House? Why do you have a cat? You should really consider getting a dog. They're better.
Sincerely,
Michelle Walters, age 10.
I got sent back a packet of Washington DC "Trading Cards" that had photos and "stats" of politicians.
Tax Dollars at work. Go figure.
I grew up during the Bill Clinton Era. Hillary was always in the picture. Not standing quietly behind him, but at his side. A partner. More often I remember all of the criticism HRC received rather then the praise. I remember thinking, man, the world has got it out for this woman. She always pushed boundaries and fought for what she believed in. When she ran for President, I, along with a lot of other young women were right there supporting her. I'd do it again in a heart beat.
I couldn't have a "Girl Power" post without including one of the most awesome Girl's on the planet. My BFF ABV.
BFF ABV and I met a million years ago. On the first day of Middle School. In Band Class (Yes. We've always been that cool). We were flute players. She was a girl. So was I.
The rest, as they say, is history. We grew up together, survived MS, HS and College together. We're practically tying up our 20's together. BFF ABV and I may be in different stages of our lives right now, but that's okay. We've always been able to find our way back.
BFF ABV is probably the funniest and most grown up person I know. She is so incredibly beautiful and talented. Smart, yet down to earth, filled with potential and a kindness not many people have...and while I can't cook to save my life, let me tell you, BFF ABV can make a mean meal. Girl got skills. I'll probably never win an Oscar, so BFF ABV, this is as close to a public shout out as it's gonna get.
From the time I was about 14 years old. I wanted to be Katie Couric. I mean, look at the photo. I went to the Today Show with a sign that said "When I grow up, I'm going to be the next Katie."
(Geek)
That woman was one of the first people outside of my personal circle that I hero-ized. I pretended to be her in the mirror. During college, whenever I worked on Cable News, I emulated her way of speech, tried to channel her on-air confidence. She is the reason I studied Communications at WSU.
Even though I clearly never pursued Broadcasting, I still admire her and everything she has accomplished.
Last, but not least, My Aunt RTG. Aunt RTG passed away a few years ago after a battle with Cancer. Aunt RTG is one of the most courageous, bravest and strongest women I've ever have the privilege of knowing.
Like I said, these are just a few, and to all the rest of my soul sisters out there, I raise my glass to you.
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