Lessons from Women’s History Month: Follow Your Own Path
By ALEX HOUSTON
In light of Women’s History Month I find myself thinking about how women have often been discouraged or even prevented from pursuing their own dreams and ambitions. From being denied education and job opportunities to facing discrimination and harassment in the workplace, women have had to overcome numerous barriers to achieve their goals.
Despite these challenges, many women have forged their own paths and made significant contributions to society. Throughout history, there have been countless examples of women who defied societal norms and expectations and carved their own path to success. From Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, to Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate who fought for girls' education in Pakistan, these women show us the power of following our own path.
Growing up I was taught that success meant following a specific path – getting a good education, finding a stable job, and settling down. But what if that direction doesn't feel right for us? What if we have a different calling, a different purpose?
My own journey has taught me the power of following my own path. After high school, I decided to take a gap year to travel and explore the world. Rather than diving straight into college like most of my peers, I embarked on a life-changing adventure that took me to Nepal, Tibet, and Peru.
During my travels, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, gain a broader perspective on life, and experience some of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the world, including Mount Everest and Machu Picchu. I even had the chance to volunteer at a boy’s orphanage in Cusco for three months, as well as live and volunteer in local villages.
When I returned, I enrolled in the University of Mississippi, thinking it was the right fit for me. But after just one semester, I realized that I wasn't happy there. I wasn't pursuing my passions, and I didn't feel like I fit in with the culture of the school. I knew that I needed to make a change, so I made the decision to attend the University of Cape Town in South Africa. It was a bold move, but it was one that felt right in my gut.
My time at the University of Cape Town was challenging, rewarding, and ultimately life-changing. I had the incredible opportunity to dive into subjects that ignited my passion and challenged my thinking. Living in South Africa left an indelible mark on my life, shaping the way I view the world and my place within it. The experiences and lessons I gained have instilled in me a lifelong commitment to learning, growth, and the pursuit of knowledge.
My journey challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace new possibilities, and cultivate a sense of self-awareness that I never knew existed. Through my experiences, I discovered that there is no one "right" course in life and that taking risks and pursuing what sets our hearts ablaze can lead to remarkable personal growth and fulfillment. It's not always easy, and there will be times when you doubt yourself, but the rewards are worth it. As we wrap up Women's History Month, let us remember the extraordinary women who fought for their rights and made significant contributions to society, inspiring us to carve our own way forward. Let us continue to honor the legacy of women by following our passions, embracing our individuality, and forging our own paths to success.