Feminism How I Can Be

¶ … Feminism [...] how I can be a catalyst for feminist change in the future. Change can be large or small, and affect many or few. Everyone can elicit change, in themselves and in others; they just have to be dedicated to making change happen. I believe that I can be a catalyst for feminist change because of my activities and my actions. I am a Black woman going to school full time.

I believe that I can create change in the future when I have finished my education and can enter the working world, using my education to further my career and promote the higher education of Black women. People often talk about underprivileged Black youth growing up in urban areas, but they don't talk about the Black people who educate themselves and become entrepreneurs, business people, and staff members, and I want that to change. In addition, I'm eight months pregnant as I finish up my degree program.

It has been difficult for me to finish my schooling while I'm pregnant, but I believe I am a role model for others. I show that it can be done, and that women can get an education while undergoing other life changes. I am incredibly excited to welcome my child into the world and show him or her all the possibilities that are open to them, and I hope that my life can be a role model to them, as well.

I want my child to grow up knowing that they can accomplish anything they set their sight on, and that I will support them in everything they want to accomplish. Another way I hope to create change is in helping those in need. After the earthquake in Haiti, I adopted a little boy left homeless and orphaned from the quake. True, this is only one child's life, but I hope to make a great, positive change in his life. Bringing him here has already made a difference.

When he first came to the country, he was frightened, shy, and withdrawn, as would be expected after his ordeal. Now, he has blossomed, and he is happy, more confident, and full of laughter. It is a joy to watch him as he becomes more confident and sure of himself, and I cannot wait to see him play with his new brother or sister.

I have no idea what he will become in the future, but it seems clear that he will grow up to accomplish great things, and I think that is positive change. If I can do anything, I hope that I can inspire other Black women to reach their full potential and reach for the stars. That can ignite great change in the Black community, and among all women, no matter their race or stature.

I believe that women can accomplish great things, but many allow themselves to be held back, and I hope that my experiences can inspire women to do more and become better. Change does entail strength, and women have always shown themselves to be strong individuals, no matter what life throws at them. I hope that I can inspire that change, even in the small number of friends that know me and what I've accomplished so far in my life.

There is another thing that I hope can be a catalyst for change in the future. I wish that more people would step up and take responsibility.