My definition of success has changed over the years -- with every year that passes, I feel like it changes just a little more. Before, it used to be what my parents considered the "American dream": a big house, 6-figure salary, a nice car, and to be married with kids by 30 years old. But now that I've gotten older, I've realized that definition of success didn't serve me. Success, to me, is the ability to cultivate a sense of contentment, and even joy, with my daily life. It means living without regrets, taking care of the people I love the most, and feeling financially secure. It means doing fulfilling work, helping other people improve their quality of life, meeting inspiring and interesting people. Success means I'm able to work hard but also indulge in my passions, such as dance, and take time for rest and relaxation. It means leaving the world slightly better than I found it. It means building strong relationships, investing in myself, and exploring the world. Success is being a leader, a listener, and a lifelong learner. In all, I'd consider myself successful if I can look back in my life and feel confident that I did everything I wanted to do, that I valued the people in my life (and that they felt valued), and that I enjoyed it the best I could.
As a young woman who is incredibly passionate about female empowerment and lifting up my fellow women, I've always been interested in opportunities that would give me a chance to spread resources and education. This past year, I've been working on a book that is set to be published in July 2020, titled, "Rise: How Empowering Women Elevates Us All." Throughout the past year, I've been researching, interviewing various activists, and learning about the ways modern society can create the next generation of female changemakers. Writing this book has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I've ever had. I never thought I would publish a book before graduating university, but I have learned so many skills from this journey -- interview etiquette, storytelling, writing, marketing and social media strategies, networking, and more. To me, Rise is just the beginning of my professional career. I want to become a leader in female empowerment strategies, an expert in innovation techniques with health implementation programs, and to create a platform for women of color to amplify their voices, concerns, ideas, and more. What I've learned from this journey is my passion for connecting with other women and telling stories to the public, and I hope to become a resource and a professional that can positively guide social change across the world.
I am inspired by the many women who have come before me and endured such hardship, struggle, and challenges to create the world that we currently live in. We may not be anywhere near perfect, but without the sacrifices and efforts of the women that came before us, we would not be anywhere near the level of independence and empowerment that we have attained. I also am inspired by the women who continue to fight every single day for their hopes, dreams, and goals -- if women in terrible situations can continue to fight for what they believe in, it makes me feel as though I should also keep going and not give in, even if the times get tough. I've learned there is beauty and strength in standing together, and I want to work towards a world where every woman feels appreciated, respected, and free.
Three traits I am proud to possess would include my natural ability to lead, my compassion, and the ease in which I connect with others. I've been a leader since I was young, and over the years have naturally taken leadership and executive roles in many of the spaces I'm in. I have learned to lead by example, and with authenticity, which allows people to build confidence in my abilities because there is consistency between what I say and what I do. I'd like to think I'm a leader not because I force my will on others, but because I inspire other people to work together towards a common goal, and because I listen to them and treat them with respect. I also am proud of my compassionate nature. In our current society, it's easy for us to close ourselves off from others, or to judge very quickly. I've always been the first to hold out a hand or offer a shoulder to lean on in any distressing situation, and I'm fortunate to be considered a go-to person for many of my friends and family when they are struggling. Connecting with others is something I love to do, simply because I love learning about others and everything that makes them who they are. Being someone who can make another feel at ease is something I take pride in, and so much good comes out of learning how to connect with others who seem different than you in every way.
There are two times where I achieve a state of flow -- when I'm dancing, and when I'm having deep conversations with others. Dancing has always been a "flow state" for me, ever since I was little. It's the time when I feel powerful, beautiful, and connected with both myself and something greater. I could spend hours dancing and not even pay attention to how much time has passed or how tired I'm getting. There's something special about indulging in my creative outlet and simply being in what I consider my natural state. Conversing with others, however, has also emerged as one of my most precious times of flow. When I'm in an open-minded environment where we attempt to break down a bigger question, such as someone's purpose, the meaning of life, why female empowerment is so vital, how can we do better as a society, etc., I feel energized. I lose track of time and can even talk until my voice gets hoarse -- in this situation, it's the people I'm with and our collective interest to unpack the greater mysteries/issues that our world deals with that truly evokes this state. Conversation paired with collaboration for a greater cause will always be a place of flow for me.
Duke University
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