20:1 let's go to college

I just want to help people. That's my goal in life, and that's what I am passionate about. But how do I get there for a career? I thought I would major in Business and start my own organization to help victims of human trafficking. But business school? If that's your thing, then props to you. I don't think it sounds very fun or interesting. So I researched other majors the university offers, and lo and behold, my sister's major sounds the most interesting to me. Why should I go to school for something I'm not interested in, anyway? So Human Development and Family Studies it is. Plus, I can get a Bachelor's degree in this as well as a minor in Psychology. And, I have enough elective credits to take American Sign Language and Spanish as well. It's all my favorite things, wrapped up into one! I am much more excited about going to college now. I'm not planning on being a counselor or anything, but these subjects interest me, and my passion for ending human trafficking will take me far down that road. I'm glad my scholarship money will now go to good use!

19:1 true beauty

I am skinny. That's just how I am. If you tell me I'm not beautiful because of it, then you're not beautiful either, because you have a bad spirit. Being envious is perfectly normal, but something that should be realized and changed into a positive thought. Sure, I see other women and am envious of traits they have and start thinking that I don't like them. Then I realize that I don't like them because I'm envious, so compliment them about that trait, and move on. I may not be able to be curvy or 5'11", but I am healthy and happy. So when people blanket the issue, saying "everyone is beautiful," how true is it? Beauty isn't defined simply on the outside- rule number one in life, right? "It's what's on the inside that counts"? So why is society still bringing physical appearance into the argument? I believe every woman, or man for that matter, has the ability to feel beautiful. However, health should be thought of as well. If someone is overweight or underweight, it's not healthy. Women should focus on working out and eating right to be fit and healthy, instead of looking a certain way. There are different body types and which ones are "prettiest"? Healthy, happy ones.
Believe me- I always feel more beautiful and confident when I have a good outfit on, with some makeup to go with it. But makeup or good shoes can't fix an envious soul. I believe that women need to learn, or be taught, how to appreciate themselves and what they do to feel beautiful- putting on some lipstick, helping someone in need, etc. We can't keep going back and forth on the debate over which body type is more attractive. If you're healthy and a kind person, then yes, I believe you are beautiful. More people, I think, would be able to feel this way if they stopped turning envy into hate and negativity. Appreciate what other people have, as well as what you have. You can't change your body type, but you can change your attitude.

18:1 princesses

There has been a lot of hype lately about Disney's Frozen and the strong female characters. Everyone is saying this is the first Disney princess to fight for herself and not need a man. However, what about Mulan? She posed as a man and fought in the military- ending up saving her country. In the end, she doesn't get married either. And, I think the classic Disney princesses deserve some more respect. Sure, Disney lightened the stories form their origins a bit, but each still teaches their audience, especially young girls, valuable lessons. Each princess stands up for what she believes in, even if she gets married to a mysterious, handsome man very quickly.

In Beauty and the Beast, Disney shows that you should be yourself and not worry what other people think. That just because someone, like Gaston, is revered, doesn't mean they're a good person. Belle, her father, and the beast are all persecuted because they are different. When they "win" in the end of the movie, it shows that being yourself is so much more possible than being popular.

Cinderella lost both her parents and deals with unappreciative relatives every day- but she always stays positive- and look how that ended up for her? She married the prince! Her confidence may quite well have been the deciding factor between her and all the other beautiful maidens. She knew what she wanted in life, and realized that nothing is perfect, but that everything can be appreciated. 

These classic princesses, like any of the others, did marry right away, but if it's true love, and they felt it, then why not? These stories are not teaching young girls that they must be saved, or that they need a handsome man for a good life. They teach girls that you should be yourself, be strong, and be positive to make your dreams come true.