By Marium Tariq Finishing school soon? I bet the thought of choosing a career for yourself has been keeping you awake! You need to decide what you are gonna be for the rest of your life. I mean, the pressure is real, right? What if you choose a career you don’t like? What if you end up like people stuck at a job they hate? a Sounds horrible, doesn’t it? Schools are obligated to counsel their students regarding possible career choices. But most of the time, all they educate us about are the options we already know. Yes, those mainstream nurses, engineers, cashiers, lawyers, and teachers. But not everyone is suited for those boring lines of work. Some of us live for excitement. The fun of having an uncommon job is incomparable! Plus, it’s a cherry on top if you don't need straight A's to pursue them! So if you, too, are one of those “weird” souls who loathe run-of-the-mill careers, here are a few unheard, unique, but highly satisfying jobs that open doors to an adventurous life! For Those Who Love Traveling: Flight Attendant A flight attendant is an ideal job to satisfy your wanderlust. Bonus points if you love to dress sharply! To become one, you only need a high school diploma and a valid US passport. Once an airline company hires you, they will provide you with three to six weeks of formal training. You will learn passenger management, flight regulations, company operations, and other job duties. The company will probably provide you with lodging and transportation during the training duration. But there is one catch: the competition for becoming a flight attendant is FIERCE! Since the job description is so lucrative, there are over a million applications each year for just a few thousand seats. Fun facts: Flight attendants can be of all shapes, sizes, and colors despite the popular image. Flight attendants don’t just serve food and drinks. They can save lives if need be. Most of them know how to order a beer, wine, or chicken in as many as three languages. For Those Who Love To Help: Community Health Worker Volunteer work at a nursing home shouldn’t just be volunteering. If you love caring for other people and positively impacting someone’s life, you could turn it into a whole career. Community Health Workers (CWH) work on the frontline for the better health of their whole community. They look over the healthcare needs of people, give informal counseling, provide public health education, and can also give first aid when required. You may work at a vaccination center, mental health facility, clinic, or rehab center. A few skills you should have for choosing CWH as a career are good communication, relationship building, and cultural responsiveness. Fun facts: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CHW job growth is expected to increase up to 17% by 2030, which is much faster than most other jobs. CWH is among the 20 best social services jobs by US News. The unemployment rate for CWH is as low as 3.1%. So your chances of getting a job are pretty high. For Those Who Love Makeup: SFX Makeup Artist You thought Vecna from Stranger Things was CGI, right? Well, to burst your bubble, he was not. He was actually the work of an awe-inspiring SFX artist who has the talent to turn men into monsters with makeup. Now, how cool would it be to do that daily for a living! SFX makeup artists combine their artistic genius and makeup skills to design characters that are seemingly impossible to create. You may have to work with silicons, fake blood, body glue, and prosthesis a lot. Fun facts: You don’t need a high-demanding qualification to be an SFX artist. Only a course for media or theatre makeup will suffice. The pay rate for SFX makeup artists on set can be pretty alluring. “Best SFX Artist” is a category in the Emmy, BAFTA, Academy, and more. Talk about setting ambitious goals for your career! For The Social Butterflies: Social Media Manager Another fresh job that is getting a lot of hype these days is social media management. It is perfect if you are always hooked on social media platforms but hate to meet people in real life. Also, you need no formal education or degree for it. Bingo, right? Now, what is a social media manager or SMM? It is a person who manages the socials of a brand or company and covers their social media marketing needs. And since social media marketing is all the rage nowadays, your chances of finding a job as an SMM are pretty bright. Fun facts: The average annual income for a social media manager is $53,061. SMMs require hard skills such as copywriting, SEO, graphic designing, and marketing, which you can learn through various online courses. It is the perfect line of work for creative women with a knack for writing and excellent communication skills. For Those Who Hate A 9-To-5: Real Estate Agent Let’s face it: Not all of us are made for the traditional 9-5 routine. Some of us like to stay in our PJs till 10 and start working at our convenience. A real estate agent is an attractive career choice if you are looking for flexible working schedules. To become one, you will need to study the state’s licensing and education requirements and take a course if required. Next, you will have to pass the real estate licensure exam and apply for the license. After getting the license, find a real estate brokerage, and VOILA! You are meeting new people and selling cool properties, just like that! Fun facts: You can opt for working from home or through an office, flying solo, or being a part of a team. There is no dress code. Real estate agents make an average of $83,886 per year. Wrapping Up Your dad’s annoying friend may keep lecturing you about how doctors, engineers, or lawyers with fancy degrees are the only decent careers, but it is not entirely true! While these career choices can be a total game-changer for your future, YOU WILL TURN OUT FINE EVEN IF YOU GO FOR LESS-RENOWNED ONES! Yes, you will have to work extra hard on many soft and hard skills and take a few courses, but you can surely make a living without being a total nerd. So, do any of the above career choices seem worth a shot to you? Make sure to let me know Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Reem Kirja Have you ever wanted to start a project or a campaign in your community but needed help figuring out where to begin? This beginner's guide will lead you through the necessary steps to creating and completing a campaign! Note: this article is not guaranteeing the successful completion of your campaign if you follow the advice listed. The steps below are part of the knowledge I collected throughout my initiative, The NSE Campaign, that helped me achieve my goal and will hopefully help you too. Identify your Goal The first step to your campaign is identifying a problem in your community that you feel passionate about. For example, if your school prohibits using languages other than English, start a campaign based on that. By solving a problem you feel strongly about, you can work on the solution for an extended time period without getting bored. Establish a firm goal to stay on track during your campaign. Research, research, research! Research is the most critical step. It would be best if you researched as many topics relating to your goal as possible. Make sure to research counterarguments, so you're prepared when they come your way. You can also write an essay and/or make a presentation based on your research in case potential supporters want more information. Collect a list of possible figures who can make this happen After research, you should identify who can make or break your campaign. Examples include superintendents, principals, and political figures. Have a way to contact them and professionally state your problem and solution. Create a Plan Have an action plan ready so you know what steps to take first, such as whether community signatures are needed for the success of your campaign or whether simply speaking to your target audience will get the job done. It's essential to have a plan to correct yourself if you're going off track. Sometimes alternate routes to your success can help speed up the process, but ultimately, it depends on your topic and goal. Create a Timeline After making your plan, identify how much time you want to spend on each step. Parkinson's Law states that work expands to the time allotted, so setting a specific timeline will help your campaign stay on track. Timelines are flexible, giving room for change, but make sure to meet deadlines for milestones so your campaign can stay on track. Optional: Make a Petition on a Petition Website (change.org) or Start a GoFundMe Support is your biggest tool, so why not earn more online? The internet is more connected now than ever, giving you a platform to form connections and attract supporters. Of course, this step is optional but highly recommended. Spread the Word Inform everyone of what you're doing and redirect them to your petition and/or fundraising page. Hang posters with QR codes directing individuals to the website you will use (Change.org, GoFundMe, etc.) in your school, local cafes, libraries, and more. Make sure to talk to the store's owner or your principal before hanging anything up. Check your progress regularly, and repeat any steps if necessary. Finally, periodically post updates and new information on social media to keep your supporters engaged. You can also post about media coverage! Check the progress of your campaign regularly, and update your plan and timeline as needed. You are also more than welcome to repeat any steps if necessary. There you have it! My beginner's guide to starting your own campaign. I hope this helps and your campaign is a success! Till next time, Changemakers ~ Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

Cooked by Mayrav Estrin Oh no! Did you forget about your friend’s surprise birthday party? Is it Father’s Day? Last-minute school potluck? Have no fear; a yellow boxed cake mix with a few mix in’s from your pantry is your savior! You never have to show up empty-handed with these four new ways to dress up a boxed cake mix. No one will ever know your cake came together in under half an hour. Mix as instructed on the cake mix package, and then add in your choice of mix in’s for a delicious and easy dessert. These recipes are perfect for when you are in a rush or just hate baking! Almond Chai Spice Cake ¼ tsp Grated nutmeg, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp ground ginger, and a splash of almond extract. Vanilla Birthday ¼-½ cup Sprinkles, splash of vanilla extract Citrus Sesame Zest of 1 lemon, juice of half of a lemon, splash orange extract, ¼-⅛ cup sesame seeds Almond Joy ½ cup Chopped almonds, ¼ cup shredded coconut, ½ cup milk chocolate chips (I used chocolate toffee chips) Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

Cooked by Maryrav Estrin Ever since I was a little kid, my absolute favorite candy has been a peanut butter cup. Unwrapping the cup from the tight white wrapper and taking that first sharp bite of deliciousness always brings me back to Halloween from my childhood. I still love a classic PB cup, but I also love putting a new twist on the classic sweet. These homemade vanilla cashew butter cups are salty, sweet, and nutty and hit the spot every single time. They’re made with only 5 ingredients and are easy to whip up on a whim! What You’ll Need: Muffin Tin Muffin Wrappers Spoons Microwave Safe Bowls Ingredients: ½ cup Cashew Butter 1 Chocolate Bar or 1 cup of Chocolate Chips ¼ cup Coconut Oil ¼ cup Honey 1 dash of Vanilla Extract Flakey Salt for topping (optional) Preparation: Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave. Microwave in 20-second increments until it is a liquid. Step 2: In another bowl, mix together cashew butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are homogenous. Step 3: Line the muffin tin with your muffin wrappers. Step 4: Carefully pour a layer of your chocolate coconut oil mixture into the muffin tins. Place in the freezer until the chocolate has hardened. When the chocolate has hardened, place a spoonful of your cashew butter honey mixture on top of your chocolate bottom. After the cashew butter is in, pour the rest of your melted chocolate on top of the cashew butter. You may need to reheat the chocolate mixture before the second chocolate pour. Step 5: Place back in the freezer until all the chocolate has hardened. Step 6 (optional): Take out of the freezer. Sprinkle with flakey salt, and enjoy! Store in a Tupperware in the fridge or freezer. Best enjoyed with a glass of hot tea, coffee, or milk! Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Mayrav Estrin Millions of people worldwide can’t imagine a day without a cup of coffee, tea, soda, or energy drink. Many people use these drinks to get into the swing of things and start their days with a clear head. And while the rich flavors of these drinks taste great, a major reason behind their popularity is that they contain a chemical called caffeine. You may have heard of caffeine before, but what is it? Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant classified in the methylxanthine class. It is used as a cognitive enhancer, which means it can increase alertness and attentional performance. For my science people out there, its chemical formula is C8H10N4O2. Caffeine is a tasteless chemical naturally occurring in over 60 plants, making coffee and teas natural sources of caffeine. It’s also found in cocoa pods to make chocolate and kola nuts, which are used to flavor sodas. Caffeine is also found in synthetic sources like energy drinks and other types of energy supplements. The adult body can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine daily, but most wouldn’t recommend having that much in one go because of the potential negative side effects. Children under 12 are not recommended to have caffeine because it can raise blood pressure, interfere with sleep, and affect mood. When the body has caffeine, you may have symptoms of increased alertness, improved memory, and overall feelings of awakeness. This correlates to why so many people enjoy coffee and tea right when they wake up. Don’t forget that caffeine is a stimulant drug, which increases heart rate, temporarily increases blood pressure, and can take up to 5-6 hours for ingested caffeine to wear off. Caffeine is an addictive substance, so if you start drinking coffee every morning, you may begin to crave it. For caffeine beginners out there: go slow. See how you feel after one cup before reaching for another. All this information may seem daunting but never fear! This guide will go through different popular sources of caffeine, going from light to heavy levels of caffeine. Herbal Tea Not all tea contains caffeine! Herbal teas are delicious and refreshing to enjoy at any time of the day! Teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger are all common examples of caffeine-free herbal tea. There are thousands of tea blends; if you are unsure what tea is caffeinated and what is not, google is your friend! Decaf Coffee Decaffeinating coffee removes up to 97% of the caffeine, leaving it with around 0-15mg of caffeine. Decaf coffee tastes the same as regular, so for those who enjoy the taste of coffee but don’t want the caffeine, this is a great option! Chocolate Yup, chocolate contains caffeine! This may be a surprising section of this article; chocolate is an interesting source of caffeine because the caffeine levels are highly dose-dependent and will range depending on the particular brand. One ounce of dark chocolate contains roughly 12 mg, depending on the brand. One ounce of milk chocolate contains approximately 6 mg of caffeine, depending on the brand. And white chocolate contains 0 mg of caffeine. White Tea White tea has a rounded, slightly sweet flavor with notes of honey and peony flowers; it pairs well with milk and honey. It contains around 15-39 mg of caffeine per cup. While the caffeine in white tea is pretty light, if you are sensitive to caffeine or ready to go to bed, maybe pick an herbal tea. Green Tea Green tea is one of the most popular teas around the world. It is enjoyed on all continents but is most popular in Asia. Green tea has a grassy, herbaceous, and nutty flavor. It pairs well with some honey or sugar. Green tea contains around 30-50 mg per cup. Soda Like tea, not all soda contains caffeine. Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew, and Pepsi are all popular sodas with caffeine. One can of Coca-Cola has 33.6 mg, one can of Mountain Dew has 54 mg, one can of Pepsi has 38.4, and Diet Coca-Cola has 45.6. Some caffeine-free sodas include Ginger Ale, Sprite, Fanta, and Root Beer. If unsure about caffeine in your soda, do a quick Google search to be sure. Black Tea Black tea is another popular tea. It is smokey, nutty, earthy, citrusy, and even a bit caramelly. Black tea is prevalent in the United Kingdom and British culture and tastes excellent with sugar, milk, and cream. It contains around 50-100 mg per cup, depending on the brew’s strength. Espresso Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee served in a very tiny cup. This method of brewing coffee comes from Italy. It differs from regular coffee brewing because it is made by forcing steam through finely-ground coffee beans. One shot of espresso contains around 60-70 mg of caffeine. Matcha Matcha is a finely-ground, powdered green tea traditionally consumed in East Asia but is reaching popularity worldwide. Matcha has a complex flavor profile; it’s nutty, herbaceous, bitter, and savory. It tastes excellent with honey and milk. Many coffee shops can make iced or hot matcha lattes as an alternative to a regular coffee-based latte! Matcha is around 70 mg per cup. Coffee Coffee is one of the most popular sources of caffeine; it is sipped worldwide and has created empires out of businesses like Starbucks. Coffee is smooth, nutty, and bitter, and different blends and beans make slightly different tastes. Coffee is commonly enjoyed with milk, sugar, and cream and is delicious, both hot and cold. One cup of coffee contains around 100 mg of caffeine. Energy Drinks Energy drinks are relatively new and most commonly used for fitness purposes or late-night study cramming for college students. They often are fruity and sweet flavored and sometimes carbonated. Energy drinks are relatively new on the market, and hundreds of brands all contain different levels of caffeine. Some popular energy drinks include Monster, which has 160 mg; Red Bull, which has 112 mg; Celsius, with 200 mg; and Bang Energy, with 300 mg. These drinks have very high levels of caffeine for a relatively small container, so drink with caution. Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Apsara Chopra Meet with your college academic counselor. The first step you can take in figuring out which college major you want to pursue is to meet with a college academic counselor. Your college academic counselor can provide you with helpful information regarding ways you can explore your career and academic interests. Your college academic counselor can also help you make sure that you are meeting all your college requirements and are on track to graduating within your desired time frame. Choose a major that you love! Oftentimes, students may choose a major because they feel it would be best for applying to graduate or medical school. However, they may not like the general course offerings for the major as much compared to other courses outside of the major. In this type of situation, it's important to choose a major that you feel the most excited about! :) For example, if you want to attend medical school, but you also would really like to learn more about sociology, how would you fulfill both interests? Answer: You could major in Sociology!! Yes, you can major in a subject that may not be directly related to your career goals. :) You can still fulfill your requirements for medical school by taking the required classes along with your major classes for sociology. You can pursue any major you like; you don’t have to major in biology or chemistry to apply for medical school. If you have a strong interest in also learning about art, history, or dance, don’t be afraid to choose that as your college major because in college, you are going to have classes relating to the subject throughout your four years, and it's important to choose the one that you are most interested in! Research career prospects for the majors that interest you If you are not sure if you want to go to medical school and want to learn about majors that can lead to multiple careers, you could research the different career options for the majors that interest you. For example, Psychology is a major where you can pursue a career in the medical/health field, but you also can pursue a career in business, law, marketing, and human resources. If you dive more in-depth into course offerings for each major that interests you, you will be able to see how the skills and knowledge you learn from courses can be applied to various careers. When you research the different careers of majors, you are able to learn about all the possible avenues you could pursue with each major. Sometimes, you may be surprised to learn how some majors may be related to your dream career. Learn more about the financial prospects for the majors that interest you It sometimes may be helpful to also learn about the expected salary range for your major once you graduate. Some majors may have a higher expected salary than others. It depends what you hope to do after you graduate college and what desired salary range you may want to start with that could help you decide which major you want to pursue. Pursue one of your interests as a minor If you are interested in learning about Sociology, you could also pursue it as a minor! :) Having a minor allows you to explore your additional academic or career interests while pursuing your major. If your strongest interest is biology, you could choose biology as your major, and if you have additional interests in sociology or dance, you could pursue that as your minor if you like. Minors are shorter and concise versions of what a major would be like, which allows for more flexibility in exploring your interests. P.S No matter what college major you choose, you will find immense success in your college journey! Every major will provide you with the opportunity to develop further your hard and soft skills, which will aid you no matter which career path you pursue. You all got this! Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Apsara Chopra Have you ever led a group before or received a task to develop icebreaker questions for a meeting? Here are some fun and serious icebreaker questions you can use for your high school activities, club meetings, or team meetings. Fun Icebreaker Questions: Would you rather watch only Disney movies all your life or watch only Marvel movies? Would you rather go back in time or see the future? Would you rather have the most friends in the world or have one best friend who will always be there for you? What superpower would you want to have and why? What’s your favorite movie? Who is your favorite actor and actress? What’s your current favorite TV show? What’s your current favorite song? What type of music do you listen to? Who is your favorite music artist? What do you like to do for fun? What is your favorite food? What’s your favorite dessert? What is your favorite ice cream flavor and how does that flavor relate to you? What is your dream vacation destination? How would you describe your fashion style? If you had the opportunity to add a new class to your school’s course requirements, what class would you create and why? Ex: photography class, acting class, etc. Serious Icebreaker Questions: What do you envision as your dream career? What do you think is your greatest strength and greatest weakness? What makes you most happy in life? What are you most proud of yourself about? What motivates you to want to achieve your goals? How do you motivate yourself on a daily basis? What are some goals you would like to set for yourself during the school year? What do you envision for yourself in the next five years? If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self? What do you hope to gain from college? How has your experience been adapting to remote and hybrid learning? What type of a leader do you want to be? What kinds of opportunities would you like to be a leader in? What is your biggest goal, and what do you plan to do to achieve that goal? Who inspires you? What are you most passionate about in your life? How do you want people to remember you? What are some things that you are grateful for? These are some icebreaker questions that will lead you to an amazing start of your new school year and help you develop friendships with your classmates during your high school extracurriculars. With these icebreaker questions, you and your classmates will get to know each other better, and you will be able to strengthen your team or club bonding at different meetings, events, fundraisers, or club socials. :) Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Isabella McCall Black Girl, Brown Girl, Latina, Asian, Pacific, Native American, White, Beautiful Big Girls. Don’t you know you’re a work of art? Tall girl, Short girl, Big Hips, Big Thighs, Small Breasts, Big Breasts, Tummy, Tummy, Fupa. Bread basket, Hawaiian rolls, Love Handles, don’t you know you were molded with Hands made of Unconditional Love? Hands that weaved each strand of hair? Black, Blonde, Ginger, Brunette, or the Color of the Rainbow? Curly, Coily, Wavy, Straight, Thick or Thin, Short, Long, or chosen to cover cause, darling, you’re Sacred. You got a natural veil flowing in the air; you’ve been valuable from the moment you touched down on the earth. But no one ever told you that; no one ever said that. Let’s be honest; I know it hurts. I may not know who you are or your life story; I don’t even need to know that. I don’t care if you’re young or old, but I’ve been there, and I don’t think anyone is a stranger to the condemning eye of Society. It found me to be imperfect, too big, unhealthy, and ugly. We were silent; we were innocent; we didn’t know better when we thought straight bangs looked normal when really ordinary was burning those pretty curls—beating our tummies to be flat, starving ourselves to try and lose weight faster. When darling, this society doesn’t know what unhealthy is. Even if they are confused by what “Fat” is, you can be tall, fully curved, big-breasted with a flat or pudgy belly, the beautiful portrait of health. Yet, how can you let a scale determine how beautiful you are? It’s nonsense, if I’m being honest. We’re an angry community, a tired group, a fed-up band of girls and people so tired of being told what to be. Social media is no help—think about it—it makes no sense how a million opinions can shape a person. How does a single, tiny, metal box of code and light suddenly dictate our lives? Let’s get back to the basics, put the phone down, shut it off, and throw it in your drawer. Sit on the floor, sit on the grass, and breathe in the air. Inhale what is natural, breathe back what is good, exhale what is toxic, and banish away what ruins your body, soul, and mind. Examine and take in everything through your mirror, more than just looking at each part of your vessel. What do you see? What do you wish to see? How do you see yourself? Your vessel, your body, is your canvas, painted on by another, but in reality, it is a gift. It is yours and yours alone. You are art in the Louvre Museum, an Aphrodite, Marylin Monroe, Mona Lisa, a frozen figure in the middle of a marble room for all to admire. A spotlight could shine above you, and an audience would applaud you. But you don’t hear the applause and hooting praises. No, Brava! Encore! A Beauty! A goddess of our time. No, instead, you hear words that are meaningless. Meaningless words that you give strength to, fattening the ugly creature when you should’ve starved it. Fatty, Lard, Tubby, Ugly, and Embarrassing. Or the backhanded insults manipulated to become a compliment. “You’re pretty for a Black/Fat girl.” Pretty. Pretty? Who gave them the right to tell me—to tell you what or who you're allowed to be Pretty for? No, we are not pretty—we are beautiful, we are ethereal, we are mystical, we are women, we are people! There is nothing wrong with us, there is nothing wrong with you, and you are not meant to be hidden away because they’re too ashamed to see your sculpted, soft form in public. We are no embarrassment; we are certainly no mistake, and if you ask me, being overwhelming is a compliment. Yes, I overwhelm the space, any space I step into, because I am here, a living, breathing continuation of all the beautiful women before me! As well as you, you dear, are allowed to be overwhelming and take up as much space. You never have to apologize for it, don’t ever; this is for you and never for them. They don’t seem to realize that you and I are needed; they seem to have forgotten that the same Hands that made you made you to complete this weird cycle called life. You are life, you breathe it, and you push it with all its screaming pain! We, You and I belong here, with all our curves, our hair, our veils, breasts, legs, buttocks, and hips. Darling, your body is armor—sturdy and hard—beautiful under the bright afternoon sun. Yet, I know sometimes your strength gives in. The dents, rust, and scratches—I know you feel broken—they have damaged you with their words for way too long. Oh beautiful statue, oh lovely woman, oh great human being, cracks riddle your body. I know there are days you wish to crumble and not pick up your pieces. Sometimes you have to, and sometimes you don’t; it’s ok to lay with your brokenness and look at your fragments. But that doesn’t mean you get to stay there forever; you are not meant to stay broken. What is broken can be fixed, it doesn’t mean the marks will ever fade, but the unfading marks are your newfound strength. Gold fills the deep cracks, gluing you back together and standing you back up on your feet. It does not negate your beauty; it enhances it. It is still you, the you they thought they could destroy, but you just came back stronger. Beautiful Girls, Ethereal Women, Magical People, The Living Work Of Art. I hope this reminds you of your worth, I hope it helps you discover your worth, and I hope it makes you proud of yourself. I hope you repeat these words to yourself, these quotes, and phrases. Say it in the mirror, say it clothed, say it bare, say it with a smile, or say it with tears. Hug your body, love your body, love it old, or love it new. Love it soft or love it hard, just love you. Always remember to love yourself, be gentle, and be understanding with yourself because I promise you it takes a lot of time, but it is worth it. You are worth it, you are more precious than any material in the world, and no one can ever show you that. Some people would say to feel beautiful; you need to be loved. That their love will make you believe in the worth of your beauty. If you are reading this and you are young, don’t believe that. If you are reading this and you’re older, I hope you don’t believe this. And if you don’t, if you are wise and have learned to love that girl or person who struggled to love and is just starting to love yourself—I am glad. Let me leave you with this: There is no greater love than the love you have for yourself. No matter how you do it, love yourself gently and patiently; only you truly determine the worth of your beauty. With Love, A Forgotten Beauty Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Fatou Faye The touching drama, Rafiki (2018), follows the romance between two teenage girls who fall in love despite living in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, the film highlights the country’s vibrant street style and the unique music of Nairobi’s culture. We follow two young girls, Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) and Ziki (Sheila Munyiva), who are fighting against all odds by living not only in such a conservative climate but a political one as well, them both being politicians' daughters who happen to be rivals. When their love begins to bloom, they have to choose between their happiness and their safety. The film was actually banned in the country it was made in, Kenya. While being gay is illegal in this country, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) banned the film “due to its homosexual theme and clear intent to promote lesbianism in Kenya contrary to the law.” They asked the director to change the ending of the film, but she refused, which is what led to the ban. Wanuri Kahiu, the director, sued the government to allow the film to be screened, and eventually, they lifted the ban for only seven days so the film would be eligible for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards. Wanuri’s efforts paid off after the ban was lifted and was sold out in theaters all across Nairobi. This is so important to note, not just because the director’s/creator’s efforts should be recognized, but because this shows how much of an impact this film made in Kenya. The fact that the film was banned also shows us what's at stake for our two characters as we watch the film. The characters in the film are truly compelling and offer us, as an audience, a better understanding of the situations they are in. In Rafiki, one of our main characters, Kena, is struggling with her two parents, who are separated. Her mom is clearly struggling greatly with this, especially when she finds that Kena’s father is having a child with another woman. She is stuck between two crossroads, trying to be there for her father during his campaign and comforting her mother through her heartbreak. Through all of this, Kena is trying her best to be a “good daughter,” but it seems nothing will be enough once her parents find out about her secret love, Ziki. Kena is someone who is determined, she has big goals to become a doctor and do great things. This is something that greatly inspires Ziki to be better. Ziki, who is also a politician's daughter, struggles in her home with two strict parents. In the film, we actually don’t see much of Ziki’s parents, all we really see are scenes of her father screaming at her frantically through a door and her mother (after finding out about Kena) sending Ziki to London, which tells us that her parents are not happy with what has happened. Ziki is very free-spirited and flamboyant with her colorful hair and makeup and interesting style choices. It seems obvious why Kena would be drawn to someone so bright. The pair originally began as “rivals.” This is mainly in quotes because they were only “rivals” because of their fathers, who constantly disapproved of their “friendship” (before they found out what they really were). Kena and Ziki had always had some sort of connection, and as they began to hang out more, their love for each other began to strengthen. They were forced to live in private, their love seen as something shameful and even demonic by their peers and family. They begin to create their own small world together, which exists in a small abandoned van that they consider their haven. They often tell each other they “wish this was real” so they wouldn’t have to constantly hide their love and commitment to each other. Things, unfortunately, begin to spiral once people find out about their secret relationship, and this results in violence and other traumatizing actions from their “friends,” family, and neighbors. Throughout the film, the director uses bright, vibrant colors, clothing, lighting, and even makeup to showcase the country’s livelihood and high spirits. The cinematography of the film is also something that stands out. There is often the use of close-ups and really tight shots, especially during scenes where Kena and Ziki are together. For example, in the first scene we see Kena and Ziki hanging out, they are talking, and we only see close shots of the two; with this, it's easier to see the emotions these two are feeling for each other through their facial expressions and even their body language. Their intimate moments are a lot more intimate because of this technique. Music also plays an important role in this film. The opening scene begins with upbeat music while showing off different parts of Kenya which fit perfectly, also showing us the vibes and livelihood of the country. One of my favorite sequences is Kena and Ziki’s first “date” (Ziki didn’t consider it their first real date), in which we are shown scenes of them at an amusement park and later some sort of club or party scene. The romantic and soft music for this fits perfectly for the moment, really setting the tone for these scenes and perfectly conveying how these two feel for one another. These are only a few of many examples of these beautiful elements in the film. The story of their love is beautifully told, by the director Wanuri Kahiu, through the elaborate use of music, color, and art. The film explores the cultural and political realities that affect these two young girls' love stories. This story is such an important one to tell because of this. It is not often that we get lesbian love stories centering on Black women, let alone these stories centering on African women; it’s as if the media treats us as if we don’t exist. It’s so important to tell these stories because of how underrepresented Black lesbians are in the media. Watching a film like this when I was younger would have absolutely changed my life; not only would it have shown me what’s possible for me, but it also would have educated me on how different it is in other countries. Unfortunately, these two women go through a lot because of who they are, but it is the reality for a lot of queer people living in countries where being queer is criminalized, and it’s important to still tell their stories. Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Clove Morgan How many times have you been told something is too girly? Maybe you’ve had it said to you because you admitted your favorite movie or song. It could have been the way you played a sport or the clothes you wore. At least once, we’ve all heard that expression in our lives. It has made us wary of admitting our interests and, as a result, less willing to speak up for ourselves. However, I’ve grown to be unapologetically feminine and you can too. As a kid, I was into all things stereotypically girlish. I adored pink so much that everything from my school books to my clothes to my bedroom walls had to be some variation of the color. Despite the endless teasing from my classmates, I was unwavering in my love for it at that age. Though, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect me. My affinity trailed off by the time I reached middle school, the arena for bullying, and it took until my senior year of high school to truly embrace pink again. I’m not saying that color preference is the end-all-be-all of what makes someone girly, but we can at least name one instance where we experienced gender bias at a young age. The narrative that femininity is weak has been exhausted now that we have entered a new era of feminist activism. Impressionable girls now have strong icons to look up to in all forms of media. It’s no secret that our new role models are leaders of the revolution in various fields, fictional or otherwise. We have made immense progress in providing figures for girls of all ages to look up to. There is still work to be done, however, and we must keep working toward a more inclusive future for girls everywhere. Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: being your unique self is different than isolating yourself from other women. What I mean by this is that you cannot compete with the girls around you; we’re all on the same team. Uplift the voices of the girls that need to be heard. In spaces where you are the only one being listened to because of your privilege, use it as a tool to help the girls that have been talked over. We are complex individuals. As said by Jo March in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women: “Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts.” Girls are multifaceted. It is important to use our strengths to help others and create the change we hoped for as children. As we age, we come into our own, and we need to build communities with other women. When we think about girlhood, we must see strength and femininity intertwined. They are not the antithesis of one another. In fact, I would argue that they are one and the same. It takes courage to embrace being a girl in all of its forms. You should never fear admitting your love of chick flicks, pop music, shopping, or anything else stereotyped as girly interests. We change from day to day. If you want to be experimental with your gender expression through masculinity and then switch to femininity, you are free to do so. I’m only asking that you don’t suppress the side of yourself that needs to be indulged once in a while. Part of self-acceptance is seeing your inner girl and breaking her out of the captivity that gender discrimination has trapped us in. Whether you are exploring gender or wanting to be more confident in who you are, connect with girlhood. Discover what clicks for you and love it without hesitation. I can speak from experience, it feels good to be girly! Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Clove Morgan Who am I? It’s a big question to try to answer alone. Here, I’ll help clear the fog as to the concept of identity and guide you through the process of self-discovery. As we make the transition from childhood to our teenage years, then into adulthood, we assume the different roles expected of us at any given moment. It isn’t uncommon to get lost on the path of finding yourself. The truth of identity isn’t concrete and cannot be summed up in a matter of a few words. You must first understand that identity is about adaptation, change, and, most importantly, acceptance. Let’s begin by defining the word. The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes identity as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.” Simply knowing what the word means doesn’t necessarily help us in discovering who we are. Though, it gives us a hint as to what to look for. On a personal level, we are a collection of various elements that contribute to the whole of us. We are a combination of ever-changing qualities and traits, facets, and abilities. To dig deeper into who you are, you must first accept that there will never be a sure answer. We are not treasure maps where X marks the spot. We are human. We have minds and hearts that grow with time and experience. Ask yourself what makes you, well, you. What do you value the most? How have those values changed over time? These may seem like rhetorical questions, but the responses will serve as a guide in determining your identity in the present. After all, the current version of you is the most important. As we age, there is a pressure to be sure and confident in ourselves, no matter the circumstances or challenges thrown at us. We are on the precipice of self-discovery at all times. Be ready to change, go into the world with an open mind. Find like-minded individuals and kindred spirits that will heal you, then seek out opposing forces and encourage growth in yourself. Your persona isn’t set in stone at any given moment; think of it like a tree that grows, spreads its roots, and branches out. I grew up in a small town where I didn’t feel like I could be my true self. As a result, I ended up becoming who everyone else wanted me to be. I had to mold myself to suit my environment even when I knew I wasn’t being me. Now that I’ve moved away and am free to explore a whole new world, I am experiencing the same craving for a sense of identity. I have changed completely, from things as surface level as my hair and clothes to things as deep as beliefs and aspirations. I am becoming the most authentic version of myself, which is the whole point of recognizing your identity. People are not meant to be stagnant. As we come into ourselves, it’s hard to keep in mind that we can be fluid in our pursuits. Everything, from careers to hobbies to everyday tasks, will change on a whim. Of course, as you go through these shifts, there are going to be outer-world pressures on you to be someone you’re not or to behave a certain way to please those around you. These expectations are overwhelming. To visualize them would be to picture the Mount Everest of crisis in front of you. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Everyone feels the immense weight on their shoulders to be everything all at once. The secret is this: only you can decide who you are; no one can do it for you. Discovering your own identity is a daunting task, but there are mentors out there for you. There are individuals to look up to, powerful in their own methods of change. Big and small. The best piece of advice I can offer is to embrace the journey and the people you meet along the way. Growing up, I always had a vague idea of who I wanted to be. I thought I needed to have everything figured out and please those around me. Undoubtedly, you have had the same experience of idealizing a future version of yourself that you’re striving toward. This constant hope and hunger for more is a great quality to have. Ambition and curiosity work hand in hand toward a bright future. However, it is essential not to become fixated on the imagined illusion of who you dream to be. Take your time, slow down, and embrace who you are and the progress you have already made. As I’ve mentioned, the present version of you is the most important. Focus on the now. The breakdown of identity would be an endless cycle; once you find one thing you will find three more. Don’t stress; the process of finding out who you are can be turned into a fun experience! Start small, don’t try to conquer something that even the world’s greatest minds have a hard time grasping. It can be as simple as asking yourself what you like. What’s your favorite song? Favorite color? Movie? Food? All of these silly questions have the same follow-up: why? This talk of identity and how to begin may be confusing, your mind gets twisted up as one thought leads to the next, but there are guides to help you along the journey. You start with you and your relationship with yourself. Eliminate thinking of who others want you to be or even the standards you set for yourself. When it comes to identity, start with the now and then begin on your expedition into who you are. Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Brooklyn Poutra If you're anything like me, music is a huge comfort in life. The vast libraries of music can console any sour mood, and uplift the sunniest of days. Here I will be sharing my very own self-care playlists that I curated just for you and any mood you may find yourself in! Dance Party Anthems Who doesn't love a good dance party? These upbeat tunes are perfect to blast in your room in the middle of the night or for a car sing-along. The possibilities are endless! Oldies and new songs fill this playlist, and these songs are the perfect soundtrack to uplift any mood. With the likes of Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, there are some certified bops on this playlist. I hope these songs liven up any down day you're having! Rainy Day Mood Some days are more mellow than others, and that’s what this rainy day mood playlist is here for. On those days when all you want to do is curl up in a sweater and watch the rain fall, let this be the soundtrack to your day. These songs feel so warm and snuggly and are perfect for overcast weather and mellow moods. Pretending You're a Renaissance Princess This classical music playlist is my go-to for studying, reading, or pretending I’m Renaissance royalty. Surely I’m not the only person who likes to pretend I’m the princess in a dark academia novel who wears floor-length gowns while getting my portrait painted. If you are in fact, like me, and you enjoy these same strange hobbies, then this is the playlist for you. Some of my favorite classical pieces fill this playlist and are the perfect background for any mellow day. I hope you enjoyed listening to these playlists as much as I enjoyed making them, and I hope they help you practice self-care. Stay tuned for future installments of this article, I have many more playlists I can't wait to share! Remember to take care of yourself! Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.