Rachel Simmons

Hey everybody!

My name is Fiona. I’m a rising high school junior, a feminist, a musician, a crossword puzzler, a klutz, a debate nerd, a New Yorker, a history buff, a food enthusiast (FOOD GOOD!), a bicyclist, a pet owner, an avid reader and a blogger. I’m sixteen years old, and I believe in the power of teenage girls.

For the past year, I’ve been blogging regularly for my own website, as well as the Girls Leadership Institute blog. I’ve also guest blogged for the WonderGirls and the Huffington Post.

I blog because it’s an amazing way to connect, share opinions and begin meaningful conversations. Blogging allows me to step outside my everyday world and speak to a larger, more diverse audience. I’ve always tried to stand up for what I believe in, and sometimes suffered the consequences. As my close friend Lilly said in her introductory blog last fall, “being an ambitious girl in high school is a lonely business.” Luckily, although this is true, certain incredible organizations, people and opportunities — such as this blog, and the Girls Leadership Institute, where I first met the inspiring Rachel Simmons —make it possible to feel a little less lonely while staying strong-minded.

I plan to blog about the struggles of being an outspoken teenage girl as well as the difficulties often faced by women and girls who decide to stand up for themselves. However, I will also pass along great stories of girls who have been recognized for their ambition and drive, because while I’ve experienced some tough moments, I’ve had many more that were encouraging.

One of my passions is politics, so I will blog about women in leadership positions. Being in high school, I also want to start some conversations on the topic of female friendships, relationships, cliques and stereotypes.

As I mentioned before, I believe in the power of teenage girls: I believe in our power to be strong when we choose and silent when we choose. I believe in our power to convince and to compromise. Most of all, I believe in the power of teenage girls to just sit, talk and listen to one another–we do it at slumber parties all the time! I look forward to sharing my ideas and hearing yours (no matter your age or gender!) so we can be sure to continue a much needed dialogue about all the tough things girls and women face, and all the wonderful things they encounter.

Thanks for listening!
Fiona

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