It's All About Perspective

Earlier this month, the famous child actress turned Ambassador Shirley Temple died. I have to admit that I did not know much about this famous public figure, apart from her child star days and of course the delicious pink drink. Little did I know that this woman was a powerful force of nature who didn't give up when her dream seemed to fade. She challenged life to the fullest and lived what can only be described as miraculously. 

"I don't like to do negatives. There are always pluses to things."
          ~ Shirley Temple Black

Shirley Temple grew up famous.  In 1935 - at the age of 7, she received a special Juvenile Academic Award for her contribution. At the age of 17 however, she got divorced and realized that she was no longer wanted as an actress now that she had grown up. Transition to adulthood was difficult to say the least. As it is for all of us. 

Shirley had three things that kept her going: her cheerful optimism, her incredible work ethic, and her winning personality. And boy did she come back to life with a bang. Her second marriage was an incredible partnership that lasted 55 years. But - more importantly - she became an Ambassador to Ghana and, later on, to Czechoslovakia. 

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She is the most inspiring role model one could hope for. Whether you are 12 and unsure about the teenage years to come, 14 and starting to think about college, or - like me - freaking out about the fact that you are turning 21. With her unwavering optimism, Shirley Temple contributed to the world in so many positive ways. Shirley Tmeple was a true leader, and true leaders never let that hope die. She made her obstacles into into opportunities. 

Not Just for Cookies...

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When I was little, I would run to the door every time Girl Scouts delivered their boxes of goodness… I mean cookies. My sisters and I were never Girl Scouts, but I would see my friends head off to meetings and I couldn't help but be jealous of their badges and camping trips. 

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Girl Scouts is for girls of all backgrounds, interests and ages. Being a Girl Scout is still a great thing to do in high school! You can find troops all over the world, and each Girl Scout can earn badges, go hiking and camping, and volunteer in her local community. From first aid to financial savvy, Girl Scouts fosters practical skills, confidence and leadership in each and every girl. Check out what you can do with Girl Scouts here!

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor 

Many leaders in business, science, and politics participated in Girl Scouts, such as Associate Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Justice O'Connor grew up in Texas and Arizona, and joined the Girl Scouts before attending Stanford University and Stanford Law. After starting her own law firm and serving as a judge, she was appointed as the first woman on the Supreme Court bench. Justice O'Connor served on the Court for over 24 years before retiring in 2006. Today, she continues to write and hear federal cases. She also founded iCivics, a website for teens to learn about our government through games and activities. Now that's a Girl Scout!

You're a leader!

I just got off the phone with my mom. She's in Switzerland at this really cool conference called Davos. It's held every year and world leaders come together for the World Economic Forum where they discuss all sorts of political and economic issues. This year's conference was titled "The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business". I am so incredibly proud that my mom gets invited to this conference - she's such an amazing role model and inspires me to make a difference every day.

However, while looking up Davos I came across a really interesting article in the Huffington Post that had some very sobering facts. Only 15% of attendees were women. The Forum selects 50 of its own Global Shapers of which 50% are women but for the rest - there is such inequality! Women everywhere need to be a part of the discussions that are shaping our world and moving our society forward.

We need to reshape what it means to be a female leader and that starts with you! I want to challenge you this week to put yourself out there. Apply for a position in school, volunteer to lead a project in class, go that extra mile with your homework, audition for the school play and it could lead somewhere. You may discover a new passion! Become involved in the society you are a part of - you will gain valuable experience and it will give you the confidence to develop those leadership skills (and it doesn't hurt on college applications either!).