Women are told time and time again what to do with their life. “Cover your body” or “Act more ladylike” and even “You absolutely cannot do that.” The constant lack of respect and confidence in women has made being a woman more tiresome and stressful than ever before. The need to act in a way that is deemed proper or respectable by the male counterpart and even other women have drained women everywhere of individuality, creativity, and empowerment. I could provide an intricate solution to this problem that nobody has ever thought of before, but to be honest, the key for society to most effectively empower women is simple: Remove restrictions and guidelines that inherently degrade women and provide opportunities for women to prosper and showcase their abilities. The root of many disempowered women comes from being told they are doing something wrong by thinking or acting by themselves. Schools everywhere have dress codes that supposedly aim to ensure every student, man, or woman, is dressed in a manner that does not interfere with the learning environment. Yet, it seems that the majority of students that are dress-coded are women. This is because society has labeled it a woman’s job to adhere to a man’s comfort, so when a woman wears what makes her feel confident, they are stripped of the brief empowerment to prevent a man’s discomfort. Disempowerment also stems from the lack of opportunities for women to present their talents and thoughts. It is a trend to see that women that are just as qualified and work just as much as men are continually paid less. This gender gap within the workplace is discouraging and undermining to women everywhere, and directly decreases the opportunity for women to excel in career fields. To ensure that these roots of discouragement are weeded out, we as a society need to hold each other accountable and demand change. Lifting up the women in your life and constantly supporting them in their endeavors plays a huge role in empowerment as it shows them that not only do you have confidence in them but that they should also have confidence in themselves. Advocating for these women is essential as well. Demanding change in the inherently sexist nature of dress code and the increase of pay for women in the workplace is just the beginning but can and will lead to further empowerment of women everywhere and instill in them the amazing confidence and ability they bring to the table.

The ability to show my strength makes me proud to be a woman. Even when we are undermined and overlooked, we get to show how we rise, and that makes me proud to be a woman. Instagram: Julianawilliamss

Growing up with loving parents, living in a suburban neighborhood, and having a present support system painted my family picture as perfect and easy. My 16 years of life have been nowhere near either of those things, and the reason for this can be pinpointed to one, stigmatized cause: mental illness. In my early years of life, I never worried about or noticed any signs of mental illness within myself, my family, or anyone around me for that matter. I truly did believe that mental illness was something that existed only for the less fortunate, less prepared, and less motivated individuals of society, and therefore, I believed it would never affect me or anyone I knew. I blame this on the ignorance of those who believe and project to others that mental illness is something to hide, to be ashamed of, and something that decreases your worth as a person. Mental illness is none of those things and I am not plagued. I am not lesser than. I simply am human, and therefore I am perfectly imperfect. My anxiety and depression are not flaws, but rather aspects of my character that make me who I am and that I can grow from. . My beliefs on mental health have changed for the better not only for myself but for my ability to help others. Now that I know how normal and acceptable having mental health issues is, I am so open to discussing with others, even people online who may not be comfortable opening up to someone close to them. I can relate, listen to and accept them for their imperfections, which is something I wish I had experienced on my journey. My relationships were strained throughout my experience, and at first, I was upset. I was distancing from friends and shutting myself off from family, slipping away from the people I cared about. I was spending time by myself. However, I realize now that I needed to focus on myself to open up to others. I needed to accept myself before I expected other people to accept me. Since learning this, my relationships have never been stronger. I surround myself with people that will listen, relate and understand how I feel even if I don't feel like talking. I develop mutual friendships, where I can help them as they help me. I feel these bonds are stronger than any as we are truly dedicated to lifting each other up no matter what. All of these experiences, growth opportunities, and realizations have paved the way for my aspirations for the future. I hope to study in STEM that way I can make technological advancements that better the world. We as humans have advanced so much directly due to how we can manipulate and use technology for our benefit. I hope to use my struggles and knowledge to ease the burden of mental health on future teens while inspiring them to study what they love and make advancements in the world.

Growing up with loving parents, living in a suburban neighborhood, and having a present support system painted my family picture as perfect and easy. My 16 years of life have been nowhere near either of those things, and the reason for this can be pinpointed to one, stigmatized cause: mental illness. In my early years of life, I never worried about or noticed any signs of mental illness within myself, my family, or anyone around me for that matter. I truly did believe that mental illness was something that existed only for the less fortunate, less prepared, and less motivated individuals of society, and therefore, I believed it would never affect me or anyone I knew. I blame this on the ignorance of those who believe and project to others that mental illness is something to hide, to be ashamed of, and something that decreases your worth as a person. Mental illness is none of those things, and I even prefer to call my struggles mentally, "mental health journeys" instead, because I am not plagued. I am not lesser than. I am not a disappointment. I simply am human, and therefore I am perfectly imperfect. My anxiety and depression are not flaws, but rather aspects of my character that make me who I am. Aspects I can grow from. My beliefs on mental health have changed for the better not only for myself but for my ability to help others. Now that I know how normal and acceptable having mental health issues is, I am so open to discussing with my friends, family, and even people online who may not be comfortable opening up to someone close to them. I can relate, listen to and accept them for their imperfections, which is something I wish I had experienced on my journey. My relationships were definitely strained throughout my experience, and at first, I was upset. I was distancing from friends and shutting myself off from family, slipping away from the people I cared about. I was spending time by myself. However, I realize now that I needed to focus on myself to open up to others. I needed to accept myself before I expected other people to accept me. Since learning this, my relationships have never been stronger. I surround myself with people that will listen, relate and understand how I feel even if I don't feel like talking. I develop mutual friendships, where I can help them as they can help me. I feel these bonds are stronger than any friendship because you are truly dedicated to lifting each other up no matter what. All of these experiences, growth opportunities, and realizations have paved the way for my aspirations for the future. I hope to study in STEM that way I can make technological advancements that better the world. This may seem unrelated to mental health, but technology affects everything. We as humans have advanced so much directly due to how we can manipulate and use technology for our benefit. We have made any questions answerable at our fingertips, any world imaginable in our virtual reality headsets and cars that can literally drive themselves. With such intricate inventions, we don't possibly know the limits of what technology can provide. I personally believe there are none. So, who is to say the next big technological advancement can't be made by a woman? A woman with mental health challenges and journeys to share. A woman dedicated to making the world better for every struggling teen who feels stuck. Who is to say I can't use my journey to inspire and help others through innovation and drive? I hope to use my struggles and knowledge to ease the burden of mental health on future teens while inspiring them to study what they love and make advancements in the world.

Growing up with loving parents, living in a suburban neighborhood, and having a present support system painted my family picture as perfect and easy. My 16 years of life have been nowhere near either of those things, and the reason for this can be pinpointed to one, stigmatized cause: mental illness. In my early years of life, I never worried about or noticed any signs of mental illness within myself, my family, or anyone around me for that matter. I truly did believe that mental illness was something that existed only for the less fortunate, less prepared, and less motivated individuals of society, and therefore, I believed it would never affect me or anyone I knew. I blame this on the ignorance of those who believe and project to others that mental illness is something to hide, to be ashamed of, and something that decreases your worth as a person. Mental illness is none of those things, and I even prefer to call my struggles mentally, "mental health journeys" instead, because I am not plagued. I am not lesser than. I am not a disappointment. I simply am human, and therefore I am perfectly imperfect. My anxiety and depression are not flaws, but rather aspects of my character that make me who I am. Aspects I can grow from. My beliefs on mental health have changed for the better not only for myself but for my ability to help others. Now that I know how normal and acceptable having mental health issues is, I am so open to discussing with my friends, family, and even people online who may not be comfortable opening up to someone close to them. I can relate, listen to and accept them for their imperfections, which is something I wish I was experienced on my journey. My relationships were definitely strained throughout my experience, and at first, I was upset. I was distancing from friends and shutting myself off from family, slipping away from the people I cared about. I was spending time by myself. However, I realize now that I needed to focus on myself to open up to others. I needed to accept myself before I expected other people to accept me. Since learning this, my relationships have never been stronger. I surround myself with people that will listen, relate and understand how I feel even if I don't feel like talking. I develop mutual friendships, where I can help them as they can help me. I feel these bonds are stronger than any friendship because you are truly dedicated to lifting each other up no matter what. All of these experiences, growth opportunities, and realizations have paved the way for my aspirations for the future. I hope to study in STEM that way I can make technological advancements that better the world. This may seem unrelated to mental health, but technology affects everything. We as humans have advanced so much directly due to how we can manipulate and use technology for our benefit. We have made any questions answerable at our fingertips, any world imaginable in our virtual reality headsets and cars that can literally drive themselves. With such intricate inventions, we don't possibly know the limits of what technology can provide. I personally believe there are none. So, who is to say the next big technological advancement can't be made by a woman? A woman with mental health challenges and journeys to share. A woman dedicated to making the world better for every struggling teen who feels stuck. Who's to say I can't use my journey to inspire and help others through innovation and drive?

Ever since pre-school I have pushed myself to accel in quite seemingly everything. From straight A grades to participation, lacrosse practice to basketball and soccer. You name it, I probably tried to perfect it. I internalized a need and a desire to be at 100% all day, every day for my entire life. I even skipped a grade because my principal thought I was "too smart" for the grade I was in at the time. All this pressure to never make a mistake built up, but I thought I could maintain my 4.0 and Varsity status. However, the dreaded junior year hit me like a truck. Overloading on AP classes and juggling stress from the coronavirus pandemic was too much on my plate, and I noticed as my assignment list grew longer, my attention span and desire to accel got shorter. I particularly struggled with AP Calculus, as I could not seem to grasp many of the concepts in an online course. I was frustrated and defeated, getting C's and B's on tests when I was expected to receive A's. Adding stress, was my future. I was recruited over the summer to play division 1 lacrosse at the well-known, prestigious Princeton University. At first glance, this opportunity is amazing and impressive, but in my head, I am constantly worrying about how I could possibly succeed at an Ivy League institution if I can barely grasp high school calculus. I had heard many renditions of the quote in many forms, but the words my mom spoke to me, "I may not be smartest in the room, but I will surely work the hardest" moved me. I sat on them and realized how true they could be for me. I will never be the smartest person, or the fastest, or the best at my sport, but I am in control of how hard I work to be my best. I will study the longest, practice the hardest, and run the furthest. I will look deeper into a topic I struggle with instead of giving up. I will outwork those who may not have to put in much effort, increasing my knowledge and satisfaction in myself, because nothing beats reaching a goal you had to work for. Where I lack natural ability or talent, I will double in hard work and determination.

Growing up in a suburban neighborhood, having loving parents and a present support system painted my family picture as perfect and easy. My 16 years of life have been nowhere near either of those things, and the reason for this can be pinpointed to one, stigmatized cause: mental illness. In my early years of life, I never worried about or noticed any signs of mental illness within myself, my family or anyone around me for that matter. I truly did believe that mental illness was something that existed only for the less fortunate, less prepared, and less motivated individuals of society, and therefore, I believed it would never affect me or anyone I knew. I blame this on the ignorance of those who believe and project to others that mental illness is something to hide, to be ashamed of and something that decreases your worth as a person. My journey to realizing the truth behind mental illness did not start with me, but my brother, Jeremy. I began noticing around age 8 that my 10-year-old brother would act normal and then, for no reason at all, burst out in frustration and anger at those around him. I played it off in my mind as tantrums from a child, but even I, as a young child, never acted that way. It was not until he was 13 that we learned he had Intermittent Explosive Disorder. At first, my parents were almost disappointed, as if they had done something wrong in raising him that led to his illness. It was then that I began to understand what mental illness truly is and yearned to help others understand. Mental illness is unbiased and unpredictable. It strikes at any time and affects anyone, regardless of wealth, fame or future. I know this because mental illness affects my ‘picture-perfect" family in ways nobody on the outside could ever imagine, and I hope to one day showcase this true nature to others in a way that doesn’t leave them ashamed or disappointed, but relieved that others live with the diverse struggles that mental illness presents.

I was only a few months old when my grandmother, my mother's mother, passed away. I could only imagine the depth of the pain, sorrow and regret my mom must have felt as she reminisced upon every conversation, every moment, every argument. I was so young, so how could I possibly console her or even register the extent of the situation she was consumed with. Yet, I was given a second chance to understand and a front row ticket to possibly the most painful thing a child can witness; seeing my mother lose her last and closest parent too soon quite literally broke me. I had no words and no ideas. I felt that my terribly circumstanced second chance was slipping away. I just wanted to help my mom in the way she helped me. In the way that her parents could no longer help her. In the weeks after my grandfather's passing, I remember lemon drops. Lemon drops, bluebirds and rainbows. On repeat, all day. From my mother's room I could hear faint humming mixed with tears and a soft, comforting melody. Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was my grandfathers favorite song and had become my mother's bitter-sweet comfort. Israel sings of paradise somewhere over a rainbow, where dreams may come true and skies are always blue. Where trouble "melts like lemon drops" and "Bluebirds fly". Heartbroken and lost, the song was a constant reminder for my mom of her dad and his absence. Yet, it was also a constant reminder of the beautiful place he may find peace in now and a reminder of the true paradise of life and the people within. So, my favorite song is Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Not because it relieved my heartache. Not because I was close with my grandfather and I missed him dearly. In fact, I don't remember a time when I felt a deeper connection with him other than card games and dinner. It is my favorite song because of the comfort, peace and relief it provided my most loving and strong mother. It is special to me because, although it does not act as a pain reliever or a way out for myself, it was there for my mom in a time when I did not know how to be. When I wanted so badly to help and console but didn't know how to. It means the world to me because it blocked out the world for her, and aided her through the worst heartbreak and pain imaginable.

As a child and now teenager that grew up in an upper-middle class suburban household with two happily married parents, two dogs and 3 brothers, I did not have much to complain about. I had every opportunity to do or be anything I truly wished, from extracurriculars to education. My parents were both extremely supportive of my passions for lacrosse, basketball, soccer and volleyball while also pushing me to excel academically with straight A's and a 4.0 grade point average. As any outsider could see, I lived in a perfect house with a perfect family and had a perfect life. To be honest, even I thought that growing up. It wasn't until my sophomore year of high school that I ever felt the true effects of decreasing mental health. I noticed that in trying to keep up with every class while also being a member of two JV sports teams and one varsity team, I prioritized my success over my overall happiness. I excelled on paper and in the eyes of my parents and friends, but in my own eyes and mind, I felt so alone and deprived of genuine happiness. I would put on a happy face during the school day but hide in my room and cry all night, sometimes for no reason at all. All I knew was that I felt sad, and I felt lonely. It was then that I realized I was suffering from a mental illness, and I needed to get help to truly overcome this obstacle and progress mentally. From my continuing experience with mental illness, I have not only learned new things, but I have changed my goals, mended and broken relationships and adjusted my view on the world itself. My goals early in life were always clear: excel academically, get a scholarship, and play lacrosse at a division 1 school. Not only was that what my parents wanted, but my peers wanted it for me as well. I was always pushed towards greatness and therefore harbored high expectations from those around me. However, as my battle with mental illness began and still continues, I have realized that my goals are no longer clear, but blurred across so many lines and in so many directions. I still have an internalized desire to make my parents, friends and peers proud, but I also have an intense ambition to do something that makes me feel alive and excited. I want to travel the world, but I also want a white picket fence with two kids and a golden retriever. I want a loving husband that I can trust with everything, but maybe I also want to live single and unattached, uncommitted. If mental illness has taught me one thing about goals, it is that you don’t need to focus and put all your effort into just one. You don’t need to burn yourself out over a false ideal that won’t fulfill your happiness, and you most definitely don’t need to have a set goal at all. Not knowing isn’t being lazy or unmotivated, it’s wanting to choose what is best for yourself so you can live happily. Mental illness has also affected my relationships in ways I had never expected. In my times when I felt lonelier than ever, I noticed that I actually had the most people to talk to. I had people wanting to hang out every day, to Facetime, to text. Yet, I felt trapped and unwanted. I noticed this was because I surrounded myself with people who all benefitted from me, but whom I did not benefit or grow from. I realized that these people caused more damage to me mentally than growth, and in that realization, I found comfort. I now value relationships with true, good intentions that are mutually beneficial. Ones where I enjoy their company as much as they enjoy mine. Ones where we both want what is best for each-other. Ones where I don’t feel used or underappreciated. In mental health, I learned what I valued most in a friend. Struggling with mental health had the biggest impact on my outlook of the world. Before mental illness, I viewed others harshly. From judging their clothing choice, to their hairstyle and even to their choice of words, I analyzed every aspect and aimed to put myself higher than others so that I could feel better about myself. I never realized how toxic and mentally draining it was until I could no longer feel better about myself. Until I could find no way out of my judgement. Until I judged myself harsher than anyone else. Until I cried myself to sleep trying to be someone else, trying to be better. This internal, constant struggle made me realize that everyone else was probably doing the exact same thing. I was living in a world of people struggling silently while putting on a brave face. I was one of those people. I knew how it felt, and so I stopped. I stopped judging so harshly. I stopped over-analyzing every look, every word, every aspect. I looked at the world in a kinder light. Treating everyone with kindness because I knew they all struggled with something was much better than judging them to prove I struggled less. Helping others through their fight with mental health was better than struggling to win my own battle. I owe it to mental illness for changing my mindset and allowing me to become a kinder person, a more compassionate person. A better person. I owe it to the realization that everyone suffers for my open-mindedness, and I owe it to myself for allowing my own growth even when I was terrified of falling apart. I owe myself a pat on the back for changing my goals, my relationships and my views on society to better fit my happiness, and you owe yourself one too. For waking up today and continuing to fight your own battle.