By Clove Morgan You have one decision to make: love or leadership? You can only choose one or the other. If you pick love, you’re weak and anti-feminist. If you pick leadership, you’re cold-hearted and bitter. In the past, love was all a woman seemed fit for. We were born and raised to be future homemakers, devoted wives, and doting mothers. It was our only option until decades of feminism and the various waves of political movements that have gotten us to the point where we are today. Then, of course, the expectations for women flipped on its head. The next big thing on the horizon for girls was to be a leader, strong and resilient with no need for romance. But why can’t we have both? It was just a century ago that exclusively white women gained the right to vote in the United States. From there, it was a hard-fought battle that lasted decades for women of color to take their own rights and exercise them to the same ability they have today. Even with the activism and ongoing fight against gender-based discrimination, women face plenty of social and workplace prejudice. There are still misogynist ideals that linger and have a platform that directly harms women–the expectations of care-taking and being adaptive to every demand or scenario thrown at them. In the past, women needed to tend to the house, husband, and children. There were social standards that demanded a woman sacrifice her individuality in order to fit into a predestined role. However, as women began forcing their way out of the house and into the professional world, it became more common to see women in the office and educational spaces. Thus, the normalization of women in higher education, male-dominated industries, and positions of socio-political power came to pass. Yet, being taken seriously continues to be a struggle faced by women in academics and in their careers. They often need to make sure their presence is palatable to their colleagues and higher-ups. The media saw women’s desire to be leaders and took that as their sign to change their treatment of women in film to appeal to their audience. Suddenly, girls in movies didn’t want or need to be saved by a man–but rather be heroines taking on the world all on their own. Frozen and the leading lady, Elsa, began a literal snowball effect for the young girls to grow up with powerful role models. Disney, in particular, began going in a brand new direction from their early “saved by the prince” days–creating iconic characters like Moana, Merida, Tiana, and more that either didn’t end up with a romantic interest or were not rescued by one. Then, the fabled word “girlboss” comes into play. Though it is now often used in an exclusively ironic way, there was a time when it was genuine, and some people still see it as such. For the sake of this piece, just walk with me here. There was a fixation in the 2010s feminist era that zeroed in on what it meant to be a “girlboss.” It warrants plenty of criticism through the current lens of feminism, but at the time, it was the highest compliment as being a girlboss meant owning your power as a girl. As people outgrew the term, the idealization of being an individual feminine powerhouse remained just under a different presentation. Feminism became packaged as a female lead with no weaknesses for romance and only strength in their capabilities. We were told we could do anything, be anything; in fact, we had to be everything. A message you would think is great for young girls wanting to grow up confident in themselves. But then there was me and girls like me. We grew up adoring romance, craving and giving love as though it was the most valuable thing. Seeing women be strong was great, but I also began to question if wanting romance was okay. Aurora from Sleeping Beauty was my favorite princess, with a whopping sixteen lines in the film and Prince Phillip saving her to boot; she wasn’t exactly an icon of feminism as I grew up. Something about her story, though, I absolutely loved. It was the simplicity of wanting love–nothing more and nothing less–and living in a little cottage surrounded by animals and nature. Her life pre-sleep seemed like a dream come true, and that ending scene was just stunning. With the live-action Snow White film on the horizon, the film has been receiving some criticism on social media for being faux-feminist as the “girlboss” mentality has been dying out. Those a part of the film have said in interviews that it is no longer like the original, that the princess does not need saving or love. Gen Z has begun reshaping what it means to be a feminist once again, claiming that women don’t need to be a leader 100% of the time to be respected. We should simply be allowed to exist, warranting respect as a person first. The demand that a woman needs to lead or establish her power in order to gain the acknowledgment she deserves poses a similar issue from the past, just packaged in a new way. We still need to prove ourselves, just for a different reason entirely. That’s why Gen Z is transforming expectations for women. We should be able to decide for ourselves what we want and how we want it without owing people an explanation. There is no reason for girls and women to have to only pick one between romance and respect. They aren’t mutually exclusive. So, when asked to pick between the two, consider how they are really different. I find power in love and have learned to lead with it; they are synonymous to me. Besides, who says you owe anyone an answer?

By Clove Morgan You can say it, your best wasn’t good enough. It is way more common than you think. People can try as hard as they can and do as much as they please; their efforts can still amount to unfavorable outcomes. I spent my whole life at the top of my class. I always made the honor roll, my extracurriculars involved academics, and I took as many APs and college courses as I could. Now, as a college student, where I have shifted from youth to the professional world, I am no longer the best. But that’s okay. It just took me a long time to understand that not being the best doesn’t dictate my value. I have a hard time distinguishing my self-worth from my success in education. I was trademarked “the smart girl” by my high school friends. Not the pretty, fun, or popular one, but the smart one, and that was a reputation that I had to uphold. I had to be quiet, serious, maybe sardonic at times. I needed to fit the expectations people had of me and, by extension, the standard I had set for myself. All of a sudden, 93% meant the end of the world, and I silenced the silly side of my personality as though it was a punished child in time-out. I lost a lot of the best things in my life trying to be an extreme version of myself and missed out on even more—friendships, relationships, major events like proms, grad parties, etc. But I figured it would all be worth it—to what end, I didn’t know. College came around, and I attended an art school for dramatic writing where being the best in academics didn’t really matter. We had to take general education classes, but our foundations were things like design, drawing, and digital arts programs. But I’m a writer. I can’t draw; all of that talent went to my sister. There was no way, in a sea of budding artists that specialized in every art medium, that I could be the best anymore. I faced my first B in years in the base-level drawing class required for my major. I was devastated and had my first college-scale anxiety attack from the pressure of having to do something I wasn’t good at. Art doesn’t come naturally to me; I can’t study Quizlet sets until my eyes burn to learn how to properly shade an egg (a drawing I got a 77% on, by the way). I chose my classes and professors intentionally, guaranteeing my success from the blunder of my first quarter in university. At the price of my mental and social health, I withheld urges to explore my new city and attend parties in favor of staying in, studying, or rewatching Pretty Little Liars for the fifth time. I couldn’t be the one that had friends and went out, I was the stay-at-home-smart-friend. I didn’t know how to be social anyway. I felt I had missed the trial period in high school, where I could gain the footing of my going-out persona. At some point, friends from class started dragging me out to movie nights and restaurants, and I got a taste of what it meant to have a life beyond school. In spite of this, I still had to be on top of everything, and my perfectionism seeped out into other facets of my life, too. I was in relationships that made me feel as though I had to be the best and perfect partner at all times. I needed to be the ideal girlfriend that was willing to do anything, and everything asked of me, kind and caring at all times—obedient. My voice was snuffed out because I was so afraid that standing up for myself would mean losing all that I had worked so hard for. There is so much pressure on young people, especially those who are femininely aligned, to be perfect. You have to have stellar grades, make money, be an exemplary partner/child/friend/etc. It’s just not possible when you’re not being yourself. I sacrificed everything, most of all my identity. In the end, I was rejected by a lot of the things I thought would make or break me. Relationships end, tests are failed, and job applications aren’t accepted. It is a necessary inevitability that rejection will happen to all of us. Then why does it hurt so much? We all have been faced with rejection in some regard. Whether it’s being last picked on a playground kickball team, not hearing back from an employer, or hitting a cone during your driver’s test. All of these are mundane things that happen every single day to thousands of people. As a teenager, there is so much on our shoulders: preconceived standards we are still getting used to and the mountain of our future in front of us to climb. You have to learn your own limits and not let the fear of rejection force you to put your well-being aside. Over the past few years, I have been an array of different versions of myself. Just about the only thing they have in common is the fear of rejection, something even the current me has. You won’t ever be perfect; striving for it is equally unattainable. Going so long without a break to ease your stress can only end with rejection—the primary one being self-rejection—neglect of yourself and your needs. It is best to learn now how to see beyond the negative feelings associated with being turned away, visualizing instead the different possibilities you may have now that you are free to look in another direction. This isn’t a how-to guide on how to deal with rejection; you can’t give advice about something you haven’t learned how to do, after all. But we all feel that similar fear, and it is something to be conquered by the parts of your life that have survived every trial up until the present—you are more than rejection as you are the one that thrives despite it.

By Marium Tariq Source Imagine living in a magical world where crayons aren't just for coloring inside the lines but for drawing your very own map. Where your guitar is not just wood and strings but a passport to melodies that speak your heart's language? Or how about a blank page, not as a void, but as a canvas where your words can paint the most beautiful pictures? Welcome to Zhive’s realm of teen empowerment through art! 🎨🎵📚 A place where insecurity packs its bags and heads for the hills, where self-doubt gets a one-way ticket to hell, and where confidence and creativity throw the best block parties. Yep, we're diving into a world where artistic expression isn't just a pastime; it's a superpower, and we've got the scoop on how you… yes, YOU can tap into it. So, grab your favorite paintbrush, strum that guitar, and dust off that journal because we're about to embark on a journey where art isn't just a hobby; it's your key to empowerment. Let's get started! 🚀✨🎸 Behold The Power Of Art: 3 Benefits of Creative Outlets Sure, your mom’s narcissistic friend thinks dancing is not a real career, but you know what? There are loads of science-backed reasons you can hip-hop in her face to let her know she is WRONG! Here are 3 to help you get started: Confidence Boost When you're rocking your artistic prowess, your brain releases all those feel-good chemicals like dopamine. It's like a mini-celebration happening inside your head. Your brain is all, "Wow, you're amazing at this!" And that's how your confidence skyrockets. You start to believe in yourself more than you believe in the existence of unicorns. Stress-Busting Art Here's where cortisol, our stress hormone, comes into play. Creative outlets, be it painting, acting, or composing, help keep cortisol in check. Lower stress levels? Heck yes! It's like art's secret mission is to send stress packing, leaving you as cool as a cucumber in a creative garden. Brain Gains (Yes, Really!) Science has shown that engaging in creative activities can stimulate different parts of your brain, fostering neural connections and cognitive growth. In simpler terms, it's like giving your brain a mini-workout. You might even surprise yourself with newfound problem-solving skills and fresh perspectives. Who knew creativity could make you smarter, right? 🧠 Source Exploring Different Art Forms: Where Creative Horizons Expand! The world of art is vast and open to all, no matter who you are or where you come from. It's a canvas where everyone's unique stories and perspectives can shine. Let's explore a variety of art forms that are as diverse as the colors in a rainbow, each offering a unique path to self-expression and empowerment. Visual Arts - Paint Your World: Whether you're a seasoned artist or just dipping your brush for the first time, visual arts are your canvas to shine. Express yourself through painting, drawing, sculpting, or even digital art. No matter your background, the art world welcomes you with open arms. 🎨✨ Music and Performing Arts - Find Your Rhythm: Singing, playing, dancing, acting, and performing are like a universal language that transcends barriers. Whether you're playing a keyboard or stepping into the spotlight, the stage is yours to conquer. 🎸🎭 Writing and Literature - Words That Soar: The beauty of writing is that it knows no boundaries. Poetry, short stories, journaling –- your words can create worlds and touch hearts. Use your stories and experiences to bring a change and make this world a better place. 📝📖 Digital Media and Design - Pixels and Possibilities: In the digital age, creativity knows no borders. From graphic design to photography to digital storytelling, technology connects us all. Dive into the world of digital media and design, where your ideas can flourish, and you can make your mark. 📷💻 Source Turning Your Passion Into A Profession: 10 Practical Tips for Teens Interested in Art Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-expression? We’ve got your back! Pursuing your artistic passion can be a fantastic adventure, but we know it's not always a walk in the park. You get criticism, rejections, self-doubt, and whatnot, right? Here are some tips to help you navigate those creative hurdles and unlock your full potential: Believe in Yourself: First and foremost, remember that you've got talent and creativity bubbling inside you. Self-doubt? Tell it to take a hike! Your unique perspective and ideas are what make your art special. Set Realistic Goals: Start small, dream big. It's okay not to create a masterpiece on your first try. Set achievable goals and celebrate each tiny victory along the way. It's like leveling up in a video game; Every.Achievement.Counts. Don't Fear Mistakes: Art is all about experimenting, and mistakes are your greatest teachers. Embrace the quirks, imperfections, and unexpected surprises that happen along the way. Sometimes, the "oops" moments lead to your most brilliant "ahas.” Find Your Tribe: Seek out like-minded folks who share your love for art. Whether it's a local art class, an online community, or your supportive friends and family, having a creative tribe can provide motivation, inspiration, and a safety net when you're feeling stuck. Practice, Practice, Practice: Art is a skill, and skills improve with practice. Make it a daily habit, like brushing your teeth or scrolling through memes. The more you practice, the better you become and the more confident you feel. Learn From Others: Don't be shy about learning from the greats. Study the works of artists you admire, attend workshops, and watch tutorials. Art history is full of inspiration and valuable lessons. Embrace Rejection: Not every artwork will be a hit, and not every opportunity will pan out. Rejection is just part of the journey. Use it as a stepping stone to push your creativity further. Stay Curious: The world is your creative oyster. Stay curious, explore new techniques, experiment with different art forms, and draw inspiration from everyday life. Keep your artistic fire burning bright. Take Breaks: Don't forget to pause and recharge. Creative burnout is a real thing. Taking breaks and nurturing your mental health are essential for a long-lasting love affair with art. Share Your Art: Don't keep your creativity hidden away. Share your work with the world, whether it's through social media, exhibitions, or sharing with friends. Your art has the power to inspire others, too. Remember, the creative journey is uniquely yours, and there's no right or wrong way to do it. So, grab your tools, let your imagination run wild, and create the art that's been brewing in your heart. You've got this, and the world can't wait to see your talent shine! 🎨💫🚀 Source The Takeaway As we wrap up this artistic adventure, remember that the world of art is your playground, your sanctuary, and your source of empowerment. Whether you're painting your dreams, singing your heart out, or writing your stories, your creativity knows no bounds. So, believe in yourself, embrace your unique journey, and never stop creating. The hurdles you face will only make you stronger, and the art you create will speak volumes about your inner strength. And hey, if you're eager to connect with fellow teen artists and share your art with a supportive community, we've got just the place for you. Join the Zhive community, where teen artists like you gather to learn, inspire, and create in a safe, supportive space. Your art deserves to be celebrated, and your voice deserves to be heard. Let's empower each other, one brushstroke, note, or word at a time. Your masterpiece is just a click away! 🎨🎵📚🌟 Source

Alyson Roush Favorite Food: Sushi What is their mission/cause? Alyson's mission is to help provide insight on feminist ideals and experiences of young women. How is she doing it? Alyson co-founded the National Organization for Women's Chapter at her high school and is the co-president of her organization, as well. Fun Fact: Alyson loves scary movies and fall is her favorite time of the year. Inspirational quote: “She quietly expected great things to happen to her, and no doubt that's one of the reasons why they did.” - Zelda Fitzgerald. 17 years old from West Michigan Alyson Roush is a senior in high school who aims to provide insight into the feminist ideals and experiences of young women. Alyson co-founded the National Organization for Women’s Chapter at her high school with 30 members, and her organization has been consistently growing through discussion-based activities and fundraisers. Just last year, her organization raised over $300 through a fundraiser, and half of the proceeds went to a domestic violence shelter. Alyson’s goals for her school’s chapter are to do more action-based projects at local violence shelters and raise awareness for more causes relating to women, such as reproductive rights. It's incredible how Alyson has been able to accomplish so much during high school experiences, and we here at Zhive are super proud of her! Alyson Roush's Videos All Categories Play Video Play Video Alyson on Relationships Play Video Play Video Alyson on Activism Play Video Play Video Alyson on Activism in the Future About Alyson By Apsara Chopra How do you make changes when your family and community have differing views from you? Oftentimes, through history or films, we see people or characters stand up for what they believe in and fight for what they believe is right. In today’s time, it has become very accessible for people to express their opinions and suggestions to the world through various social media platforms and online resources. However, people may still face difficulties in taking action to make the change they want to see in reality. One exception to this is a young woman named Alyson Roush. Alyson Roush, a 17-year-old high school student from West Michigan, co-founded the National Organization for Women Chapter at her high school and is the co-president of her school’s chapter. The National Organization for Women aims to achieve full equality for women through public education and litigation projects. Alyson’s goal through her school’s chapter is to help spread awareness about women’s rights issues. Alyson's personal experiences in high school inspired her to create a chapter of this organization at her school and establish a long-lasting change in her community. In an interview with Every Girl, Alyson described how in high school, she dealt with much harassment; "It was something that I had experienced before and it kind of opened my eyes." These experiences made her become more conscious of sexual harassment and assault. The first step Alyson made in creating change was learning more about these issues and thoroughly researching them. In her interview, Alyson discussed how she read about women’s issues and watched documentaries, which led to the beginning of her wanting to be involved with the National Organization for Women. Alyson mentions that from learning more about sexual harassment and assault, she realized she had the ability to make a change. Alyson explained, "oh, if I can do this, then why can't I do this?” By realizing her capabilities and learning ways she could be involved in making a difference, Alyson decided she wanted a chapter of the National Organization for Women at her school. When describing her journey of creating the National Organization for Women Chapter at her school, Alyson reveals how she has grown up and lives in a conservative town, which has been difficult for her since she explains how she hasn’t had much peer support. She emphasizes that “when you're dealing with a very, very politically divided community…that's always been a big stepping stone and big barrier.” She said how finding close-knit communities of people helped her in dealing with these difficulties. However, she also describes the importance of relying on and drawing motivation from herself. Alyson describes how it is “always necessary to have extra support from friends, family, and peers, but I think you always have yourself. It's pretty much a guarantee, and so I think to be able to draw out from an internal place is especially valuable.” It's truly amazing how despite these obstacles, Alyson was able to successfully start the National Organization for Women’s Chapter at her school. In Alyson’s interview, she also describes the importance of her work to her. During the interview, Alyson also described the feelings and emotions she felt during the challenges she faced; she stated, "I would say, for me it can often be emotional, especially when in more discussion based activities.” Alyson expressed how she also feels frustrated because her grandmother dealt with the same issues that she is dealing with now. During her work, Alyson explains how sometimes it may feel discouraging when you take one step forward, but the outcome puts you two steps back. However, she emphasizes that although it can be frustrating, “even creating a small change, such as fundraising or spreading awareness, or even having discussions can create a small positive change that you know can maybe somehow affect your larger goal.” It is very eye-opening how the issues that Alyson faced in her early high school years are the same issues her grandmother faced when she was younger. This illustrates how significant these social issues are and how change must be implemented to prevent these issues from reoccurring in our society. Alyson is a very inspiring, brave, courageous, and tenacious young woman who was able to learn, research, and implement change in her community, especially in one where people’s views and opinions may be significantly different from hers. At Zhive, we are so excited to see Alyson’s journey continuously grow, and we know she is going to accomplish exceptionally great things! If you want to learn more about Alyson and her involvement with the National Organization of Women, feel free to check out her Instagram: @calnowcan If you would like to learn more about the National Organization for Women, feel free to check out their website here . Want to be featured? We got you covered. Feature Me Back to Browse Join Zhive! Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!

Sara Sews Sara Robinson We create colorful handmade aprons that bring generations together in the kitchen. We cut and sew colorful, uncomplicated aprons that bring generations together to carry on family traditions and create memories in the kitchen and craft room. Handmade in Georgia, just for you! SHOP ETSY SHOP AMAZON Want to be featured? We got you covered. Add my Business Back to Browse Join Zhive! Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!

17 years old from West Orange, New Jersey Marley Dias Favorite Food: Sushi What is their mission/cause? Marley pursues social justice and equity, using schools as the foundation for her change. She wants to implement diversity in classrooms and provide resources for those in need. How is she doing it? Marley collected thousands of books for her drive #1000BlackGirlBooks. Those books are donated to national and international schools, putting diversity in classrooms. These stories are shared with the young girls of today and inspire them to pursue their own change. Fun Fact: Marley used to play with Rubik’s Cubes and can solve them fast! She can crochet and make all sorts of creations. Marley is a film junkie and spent a year watching one movie a day. Inspirational quote: Marley knew that if change was going to happen, it needed to begin with her: “It was no longer about ‘can I do it?’ — it [was] ‘when will I do it?’” Date of recording: July 10, 2022 Marley Dias took her passion for reading to a whole new level when she began the #1000BlackGirlBooks drive in West Orange, New Jersey. Her cause launched into the public eye and grew to be a campaign lasting a year. She collected thousands of books and donated them to nationwide and international schools with the goal of adding diversity to classroom bookshelves. Since then, Marley has worked to raise awareness and uplift the voices of women of color. She continues to tell the stories and experiences of black girls, inspiring young women to create change for themselves, their community, and the world. Marley is a novel changemaker! Marley Dias All Categories Play Video Play Video 04:51 Marley Dias Changemaker Play Video Play Video 04:53 Marley Dias Full Interview Play Video Play Video 01:57 1000 Black Girls Campaign Play Video Play Video 06:32 Difficult Days with Marley Dias Play Video Play Video 02:37 Proud Author Marely Dias About Marley By Clove Morgan Everyone has taken the trip to the school library in search of their next read. Books are the most critical school supply and necessary in all forms of learning. They serve as the foundation for education. Some of us have the privilege of seeing ourselves in the pages we read. We have a plethora of literature at our fingertips with millions of stories to become a part of. Marley Dias didn’t see it that way. Marley, a self-proclaimed “heavily engaged reader,” noticed a distinct lack of representation on her classrooms’ bookshelves. The stories being told were not ones she identified with, ones that she doubted other people of color and young girls would feel familiar with. In 2015, she launched an event called the #1000BlackGirlBooks drive to collect 1000 books with black female protagonists to donate to schools. Once the media caught wind of her cause, her project took off into a much larger year-long campaign. The event that once predicted a final number of 1000 books surpassed 13,000 donations. Marley, in her outstanding success proceeded to donate those books to schools nationwide and beyond. “I feel very very proud of what I was able to do at such a young age,” Marley says now, seven years later, “and the amount of rooms that I found myself in where nobody looked like me… to make my story known.” After her experience with #1000BlackGirlBooks, she went on to write her own book titled: Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! Her book provides a guide for young girls who want to make their own change and come into their own person. Marley shares the need for support and resources for young people who want to make active shifts in their community. She described her own experiences with insight as to how she started. When she was only ten years old, she worked with her local YMCA to provide books to those in need. She always had a passion for reading and wanted to spread her love to others. “I want to be able to transform what publishing looks like and what education looks like,” Marley explained in an interview with Zhive. Those industries have a monumental impact on youth today, and the lack of representation is working against a brighter future. Marley is aware of the diverse communities in society, and she was made conscious of her duty to pursue change in the world from a young age. As she grew, Marley was able to transform her view of supporting and uplifting others. Affirmation of importance played a huge role in her journey for social justice. She realized that she owed it to others to have her activism intersectional and all-encompassing. Marley described her admiration for strong women in media, politics, and more. However, she owes her devotion to making changes to her mom. Marley’s mom, Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, began the GrassROOTS Community Foundation (GCF) as a support system for women and girls in economic distress. She taught Marley to care about others and advocate for those who need their voices heard. Marley always felt a need to share stories and provide support for her community. Over half of her life has been spent dedicated to uplifting the voices of young girls of color and offering resources to those in need. From her local town to a national and international scale, she donated the stories that represented what she wanted to see growing up. Now, she is continuing to spread awareness for issues regarding racial and gender-based injustice. Marley uses her voice to promote diversity and be the one to start the action for change and encourages others to do the same. “It was no longer about ‘can I do it?’ — it’s like ‘when will I do it?’” Marley tells us. We couldn’t have said it better! Want to be featured? We got you covered. Feature Me Back to Browse Join Zhive! Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!