You know what’s awesome? Today is the International Day of the Girl Child, a day recognized by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” It’s the second year the Day of the Girl has been recognized, and this year there is a special focus on girls’ education. This video explains why girls’ education especially is such an important investment:
That’s some scary stuff, but there’s good news too: you can help. Harper from Harper Honey has some great advice on how:
“The first step is to make noise and raise awareness. Tell your friends. Get educated by visiting sites like Day of the Girl, The Girl Effect, 10×10 / Girl Rising, and She’s the First. Bring screenings of Girl Rising, an award-winning documentary about the importance of girls’ education in the developing world, to your area or campus — if not, screen the Nepal Chapter for free. Spread the knowledge. Then, take it to the next level. Fundraise — whether it’s a bake sale at school or asking for donations rather than Christmas or birthday gifts. A little money goes a long way, and a lot of money goes much further.”
Access to education is an issue close to my heart. As some of you may remember, I spent my spring break on a service trip to the Dominican Republic volunteering with the Joan Rose Foundation, which provides a free education (as well as other resources) to impoverished Dominican and Haitian youth. As education is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty, the Foundation works with both boys and girls, but today I’d like to focus on one girl in particular.
I fell in love with this little girl over the course of the week, and even though she was very shy and doesn’t speak too much, we shared many special moments together. All I wanted was to provide her with the same opportunities I have — the ones I take for granted each day — but the reality is that she’s a toddler who comes to school barefoot and in ragged dresses.
Today, I’m joining Harper and becoming a part of this conversation to support girls’ educations across the globe. Getting people talking is an important first step. Do it for Malala, do it for my girls at Joan Rose, do it for girls (and boys) everywhere.
“The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to.” – Marian Wright Edelman
It’s been over a day since I’ve been back in Philly, but I think I’ve finally recovered enough from the whirlwind that was the 2nd Annual Her Campus National Intercollegiette Conference to write about it. Here are the highlights, as told through my Instagram:
On the way to Day 1.
That first day was kind of a blur. It was an early morning (early enough that I ended up doing my makeup on the LIRR) and I was running late and had to hail a cab to get to the conference in time to grab some breakfast. I attended two panels in the morning — the first on public relations and marketing, the second on creating a sort of life plan.
I chose the marketing panel because it’s a field I know nothing about, but as I search for full-time work, I find myself applying to more marketing assistant-type positions. I also love using social media, but I tend to approach it more from a journalistic perspective, so I’m interested in the other end too. It was very overwhelming though, because there was just so much vocabulary and the like I’ve never been exposed to before. It’s a learning process I suppose. Though since I felt so discouraged afterwards, the second panel did not help me build my career confidence.
Here’s the thing about conferences — they are awkward and overwhelming by nature, and Her Campus events especially are filled with passionate and motivated young women. Which is amazing, but also kind of intimidating. That was Saturday. The highlight of the day was a screening of Girl Rising, a documentary on the importance of global girls’ education. It was inspiring and definitely put things in perspective.
Day 2. Accurate.
After working off my nerves Saturday, Sunday went a lot better. For one, I had an easier time introducing myself to people and spotted some more friendly faces. The panels I attended were great too. The first was on blogging (hello, perfect) and the second was another on life planning. This one had a positive impact on me, especially as I try to kickstart my career. Again, great timing, Her Campus. The keynote speeches were also especially awesome.
Other things I loved during #HerConference:
♡ getting my hair did ♡ listening to inspiring women ♡ all the tea ♡ swag bags ♡ learning more about new media ♡ networking ♡ reconnecting ♡ finding motivation ♡ being back in New York ♡ free Chipotle ♡
For my fellow attendees, what did you think of the weekend? Let me know!
