Emily Powers

When I graduated from high school, I wasn't valedictorian. I wasn't prom queen. I wasn't Student Body President. I didn't know where I belonged in my high school, much less the world. I didn't consider myself beautiful, influential, powerful, or worthy. But a lot has changed since then. I now know that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. When I was 18, I decided it was time to conquer obesity. I lost 70 pounds and gained the confidence and empowerment needed to jump start my life. I joined and created activist groups committed to environmental protection, equal rights, education, and political participation. I wanted to share the ambition that I found in my own life with others and have watched my organizations evolve to really impact everyone who comes in contact with them.

I also took control of my education. I was always a good student growing up, but now I am determined to strive for the best. I am working hard to graduate with a 4.0 gpa with dual degrees in English Literature and Political Science and minors in Rhetorical Theory and Theatre. I am a member of the Honors College and am currently working on a Department Honors thesis regarding the conflict between church and state that Muslim women in England and France endure. I worked hard to earn scholarships to study in London and Paris, and over the summer I had the opportunity to trace my genealogy in Ireland. All of these experiences have had a tremendous impact on who I have become. I have decided that when I graduate from college, I want study Child Welfare Law and devote my life to helping the economically disadvantaged children of this nation.

I believe that the future of this country, of this world, depends on myself and other young women of my generation who will shape the future. What we do now, today, will echo an eternity. I have faith that young women and young feminists can move mountains, change the face of politics, and influence policy. It is our passions, our convictions, and our ideals will spread to empower other women in our nation and, in turn, the world.

Emily Powers

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