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| Celia Cusick Class of 2020 |
I come from a long line of strong women– women who are inherently passionate and empathetic to no end. Surrounded by these women, I learned the invaluable lesson of how to make things work, whether it be a substitution in a recipe or juggling the demands of life. These are the roots I am proud to call mine. Knowing my background has given me ground to stand on while figuring out who I am and who I hope to be.
In lieu of creating New Year's resolutions, I choose a word that I want to be my guiding principle for that upcoming year. This year, my word was inspired by the women in my life who stand as a reminder to be unapologetic.
In lieu of creating New Year's resolutions, I choose a word that I want to be my guiding principle for that upcoming year. This year, my word was inspired by the women in my life who stand as a reminder to be unapologetic.
After reflection over the past year, I realized that for a long time, I have felt the need to justify my decisions and my interests. My actions and words seemed to indicate that I felt as if I owed others an explanation for who I am and what I believe.
By looking to the women in my life, however, I discovered what it meant to stop feeling unworthy of holding lofty goals. Being surrounded by strength, both within my family and outside of it, have given me a source of encouragement to pursue my own personal, academic, and athletic goals. In particular, my mom, who was interested in screen printing but always prioritized the needs of others before her own, finally plunged into her craft after my aunt gifted her a mini printing kit. Before you knew it, my mom was a bonafide business woman. She made a decision to finally prioritize her ambitions–and followed it with reckless abandon.
I decided that this year, I am going to do the same.
By looking to the women in my life, however, I discovered what it meant to stop feeling unworthy of holding lofty goals. Being surrounded by strength, both within my family and outside of it, have given me a source of encouragement to pursue my own personal, academic, and athletic goals. In particular, my mom, who was interested in screen printing but always prioritized the needs of others before her own, finally plunged into her craft after my aunt gifted her a mini printing kit. Before you knew it, my mom was a bonafide business woman. She made a decision to finally prioritize her ambitions–and followed it with reckless abandon.
I decided that this year, I am going to do the same.
I should not have to filter myself for the sake of others around me. I am in no way advocating for you to mistreat or marginalize others with your words and actions. Instead, I am suggesting that if you want to be a person who likes reading, weightlifting, coffee, and the occasional political debate–yeah that's me–then be that person and stop apologizing for it.
This can take several forms. Maybe it’s rocking that new shirt that is overtly political and feeling confident in it, or maybe it’s telling that person in the office who makes offensive comments that they are just not funny. There are only a couple of rules here: (1) do something bold and (2) just be you.
This can take several forms. Maybe it’s rocking that new shirt that is overtly political and feeling confident in it, or maybe it’s telling that person in the office who makes offensive comments that they are just not funny. There are only a couple of rules here: (1) do something bold and (2) just be you.
You owe no one justification for being who you are, loving who you love, and pursuing what you want. If the people around you are not accepting of an unfiltered version of you, then they might be the problem.
Friendship, family, and love should not be attached to stipulations or expectations of who you should be. In fact, it works the exact opposite. Surround yourself with people who are happy to be your loudest cheerleaders, most candid confidants, and most reliable supporters. In return, you should be the same for others. Let others know that their hard work and dedication is something to be proud of and that it is not going unnoticed. My girl gang is a source of constant support and encouragement in all my life pursuits; they make life fun and interesting when it gets to be too serious. Life is hard–don’t make it harder by going through it all alone. Find a community of others who are willing and devoted to helping you embrace who you are and who you want to be.
Friendship, family, and love should not be attached to stipulations or expectations of who you should be. In fact, it works the exact opposite. Surround yourself with people who are happy to be your loudest cheerleaders, most candid confidants, and most reliable supporters. In return, you should be the same for others. Let others know that their hard work and dedication is something to be proud of and that it is not going unnoticed. My girl gang is a source of constant support and encouragement in all my life pursuits; they make life fun and interesting when it gets to be too serious. Life is hard–don’t make it harder by going through it all alone. Find a community of others who are willing and devoted to helping you embrace who you are and who you want to be.
Here is to a year inspired by the women in my life. May I be as determined, strong-willed, and daring as them in pursuing my goals. This year, I am unapologetically me, and sorry, but I am not sorry for it.
Celia Cusick, of Elizabethtown, Ky., is a sophomore McConnell Scholar studying political science and psychology.