This book was written for the purpose of helping young girls and empowering them to be themselves and help them understand themselves. It’s also intended to act as a guide and show girls what the world around them is like and make it easier to make sense of. When I was growing up, I always wanted someone that I could trust and ask questions without feeling like I was being judged or criticized and who knew what the modern world is like and how to make sense of it, and I had a lot of difficulty finding the right person, so I kept my questions to myself. This book is meant to be the person that I never found and become that person for other girls. It’s intended to introduce young girls to the world around them, through my perspective and through the perspective of others who have been through it too. I really hope you enjoy this book and that you find it useful. Also, despite all the new pushes and advocating for equality, girls are still considered to be inferior and are underrepresented in various different fields. Many girls don’t follow their dreams because they’re told that it’s not something girls do and that they shouldn’t do it. Many different opinions are thrown at girls about who they are and who they should be, and it suffocates their own voice in the process, even if someone’s intentions are pure. This project was started so that I could help give girls back the voice that they lost and so that they can reclaim it and make it their own.
I would like to dedicate this book to my family, my friends, and my dog. Thank you all so much for being there for me when I needed it, I wouldn’t have made it this far without you.
Disclaimer!!!!!
The ideas expressed in this book are the author’s and, unless otherwise noted, solely the author’s. The advice given is meant to act as a guide and not the final saying. Many of the issues talked about within this book are sensitive topics and relate to the well-being of the reader. Anything connected to your health should always be discussed with your doctor or a health professional. This book is written by a teenager who doesn’t know everything, even though she sometimes thinks she does, so please consult other sources and explore different options before taking a solid stance on an issue.
Acknowledgements
Elwood- even though you’re gone, you were the best support there was and you always stuck by my side and helped me through everything Adriana Vergara- thank you so much for doing th drawings! I seriously don’t think the book would be here without them, you’re awesome. Keep on being artsy!
Charlotte Lee- thank you so much for pushing me to get this project done and believing that I could get it done
Melinda Wilson- thank you being my girl scout leader for so many years and helping me through this project
Diane Marino- thank you so much for being my adviser when no one else could. This project wouldn’t be here without you
Laura Stinchcomb- thank you so much for helping me out with the surveys
My Family- thank you for all the support you gave me most of the time
Corinne Farkas- I appreciate that you answered all the questions I had
My Friends- thank you so much for your continued support of this project and getting the survey out to everybody
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey- you girls rock and you were a keystone of my childhood
The Girls Who Submitted Responses- this project wouldn’t be here without you, this book was written for you and all the girls out there who are just like us
Readers- all of you are the reason that I made this project in the first place, never stop being awesome
The People on the Gold Award Committee That Approved my Project
The Amazing Women out there who are fighting for equality- you ladies are part of the reason I went ahead with this project, keep being amazing!
Troop 40056- all of you have always offered help when I needed it and I can’t thank you enough for it The Parkland Survivors- all of you are a true inspiration to me and made me want to keep moving forward with this project after seeing your strength after such a tragic event. Keep fighting for what you believe in!