Conceived and Edited by Ashleigh Carter, written by so many

LOVE AND THANKS TO

Rachel Ryon Malaika Suarez Eden Papineau Lotus Lee Rian Loren Moses Whitney Pride Nahid Koonkanrizi Erika Del Cid April Sage

{contents}
questions answered by all

FORWARD2
Responses by
10 12 14 16 malaika suarez rachel ryon eden papineau lotus lee

? ? ?

who you are

what you stand for QUOTES9

define a strong woman

Special Topics17 relationships

ntzoke shange

FORWARD

As we get older I think most of us realize the youth in each age. We better understand

what were capable of, what our worries should consist of, and the freedom that we have. At the age of twelve I thought I was grown. I worried about things I didnt need to worry about and begin to learn of and understand things beyond me and my years. While many experiences will undoubtedly come and be known with age, others are learned prematurely and before the time that is necessary. Our encounters and what we are exposed to growing up differ depending on our surrounding environment. But as we get older and, again, realize and understand age, its important for us to share that understanding with younger generations. Let them know that theres much time in our lives to live and do things like grown ups. Our world isnt going slow down at all. I feel like as every generation passes the previous is saying to the new, things arent like they used to be. And theyre not. Things are forever changing--as they should. For better and for worse.

During my winter break of my senior semester I got this grand idea of making a book.
I wasnt sure what the subject matter would be, but I knew I wanted to design a book to improve my graphic design skills and promote a cause I believe in.

This year I became intrigued by the beauty and strength of women. I moved into a house with four other girls, three whom I had already known, and one Id be meeting for the first time. I wasnt sure how the living situation would be or what to expect drama, madness, bickering, raging hormones, perhaps peacebut I went in with an open mind. The one thing I knew is that I would try and remain chill no matter what and go with the flow as always. I grew to love the house I live in and every person in it. All of our personalities and mindsets are similar and different in many respectable ways. I felt privileged to live in a house of driven, free-spirited, strong, and independent women. How did five girls like this end up within one house? It gave me hope about girls my age, and any age at that. That there are many women out there with morals and values, self-respect, dont succumb to the pressures of society, have created their own image of beauty, love learning and growing, appreciate knowledge, and will continue to set goals for themselves, dream, and work hard to make those dreams a reality. As I met the friends of my roomates I was introduced to even more cool and inspiring girls of different ethnicities and backgrounds, beautiful stories and lifestyles. I began to look at all people differently and became more accepting. I think sometimes we can end friendships or any type of relationship before it even begins. We judge before having any sort of evidence to make that judgment. But from living with these girls Ive opened my mind, gained much respect for peoples differences, and am intrigued by the story that they may possibly have to share with me.

well, I am 9
These words came from my cousins mouth and I was flabbergasted. This is the response she gave as reasoning as to why she had done something she had no business doing at her young age. It hurt my heart a bit. I didnt want her growing up too fast, missing out on the beauty, fun, and innocence of being young while being involved and concerned with the unnecessaryespecially as a girl. I remembered back to the age of nine and being oblivious to so many ideas and concepts that she and so many others of her generation are now aware of. What our young people are exposed to today has the capability of aging them and obscuring their innocence. This exposure can be bittersweetit all depends on what theyre exposed to and if and/or how theyre applying this information to life. I began to question where innocence has gone, where its going, and if it will ever come back?
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After that moment with my younger cousin and rejoicing on the experiences I was

having with my roommates, I knew exactly what the focus of my book would be. This book would be created for young girls from middle to high school, and for those in their early college years. Itd be for those girls at that stage where theyre figuring out and discovering many things about themselves, slowly making that transformation from child to teen, young adult to woman. I spoke to a friend about the idea and mentioned the incident with my cousin and my living experience with my roomates, and he confirmed that, yes, I should definitely make this book dedicated to young girls.

But what would I want to share with them and tell them? I questioned whether I alone had enough to say. Whether or not I had stories and advice interesting enough to learn from. And while I considered the possibility, I didnt think all that I could have to say would amount to the insight, thoughts, advice, goals, dreams, missions, and more of a collective group of women. So there was my idea. I would ask a group of women who have had some sort of impact on my life or someone elses that I knew, to give a bit of them to these young girls and women that I hope will enjoy this book.

of her love, time, and effortswhether it is mankind and/or a higher being.

To the girls, young women, and women reading this:

Allow life to help you slowly develop your own definition of what makes a woman interesting and intriguing, sexy, strong, and admirable. This definition may change over time but having some sort of idea that sounds unique to you and not to your friends, family, society, or the world, is important. Youll need it to survive and remain strong in a world that is often against us. I jus hope these stories and experiences shared make an imprint on your heart, mind, and soul. I hope you come to better understand your worth, beauty, and capability if no one else is showing or telling you this. I want you to become the best you by your own definition and standards, as I believe all in this book have done. Read this and become fearless. Fearless to dream. Fearless to be open-minded. To learn and discover new things. To open up to people you would have never expected to. To understand that we as women have to stick together and build each other up. We have to encourage, support and applaud one another. This isnt a feminist book, but a book to celebrate the beauty of our feminism.

There were three main questions I asked each girl. These questions were:
Who you are? What you stand for? and what your definition of a strong woman is? So what is my response to these three questions? It was easy to ask others to respond but I found it difficult to answer myself.

Who I Am

My name is Ashleigh Carter and I am a visual artist, crafter, designer, and free-spirit

What I Stand For

Freedom Knowledge Growth Individuality Self-respect Being builders

Much love, Ashleigh Carter

p.s. Dayjuana, I love you so. This book is dedicated to you.

I dislike the idea of humans being limited or limiting themselves. I think its important that we eventually come to an understanding that there is a reason each of us are on this earth, and finding that purpose. But this search isnt easy. It takes an open-mind, discovery, research, meeting different people, visiting different places, surrounding yourself with positivity, and more. And sometimes this search is hindered by forces beyond ourselvesa government or higher power of some sort, money, mental or physical handicaps, the people we are associated with and/ or family, limited education, lack of access to information sources, or maybe our environment. Ultimately, I think is important that each of us sees the light in ourselves and acknowledges the light in others. Sometimes it seems like the world is against us, but knowing what our worth is pushes us to fight. So grow by reading, discovering, learning, observing, associating, etc. But also build each other up by seeing and expressing one anothers fullest potential. Having knowledge of this alone can make one feel limitless.

{a note from Lotus Lee}

Dear Princess, I know that the world is not hatred proof and that there might be fear, discouragement, uncertainty, insecurity and despair whirling around in your body . But, even with these truths please know that you are special and beautiful on the inside first then out . Believe that; believe in you; believe in your light . Love, Lotus Lee

What I Believe Defines A Strong Woman

A strong woman sees her beauty far beyond the physical, and understands that its source comes from her heart, mind, and spirit. A strong woman is humble, sensitive, and selfless. She has an understanding that she has purpose. Shes independent and confident. Over time she allows life and positive influences to help her develop strong morals and values. She remains open to constructive change in her character. She searches for people or experiences that will grow her up yet keep her young-spirited, relevant, and alive. She sees beyond herself and understands that there are others that are deserving
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e k a z o t N

Shange

When I die, I will not be guilty of having left a generation of girls behind thinking that anyone can tend to their emotional health other than themselves.
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[american playwright and poet]

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aika Suarez

malaika
suarez
Im Malaika, and I am a Sponge of art
(http://myartspace.com/artistInfo.do?populatinglist=home& subscriberid=pjjvbnf929yw1ds1)

music

(http://www.myspace.com/mmmmmalaika)

stuff

(http://www.malaikasuarezseniorportfolio.blogspot.com)

I stand for human connection, limitless education, infinite hope. I believe in the power of perception and its ability to guide our emotions. Without the entire spectrum, we wouldnt be living.

My Grandma Haydee gave birth to 11 kids. Her and Pa managed to put each of them through private school in Manila before getting everyone to the US, and if that isnt magic I dont need to know what is. Aside from the muscle and grit it probably took to raise that many children, there is a quieter strength I know she possessed to keep those threads intertwined -- for a family that not only existed but functioned. When she passed away in October it forced a somber but warming reunion, because aside from all the drama that comes with big families, at the end of the day there is nothing more powerful than the love she has woven between us. The fact that I am aware of it now, and see it in my mother, only strengthens the idea that she lives on. That everyone possesses the ability to adapt. That some things never change.

everyone possesses the ability to adapt"

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Something is not right with our world and most of us know that, but not all of us care enough to take action.

Rachel Ryo

My name is Rachel Ryon and I am a social justice activist and co-founder of Lovemine, a collaborative movement of people and organizations committed to peace, hope and freedom for the people of Burma

I believe that, as Invisible Children says, where you live shouldnt determine whether you live. T heres so much injustice that pervades our world -- selfish people are in power who oppress their people, and the rich only want to get richer and trample on others to do so. Injustice is everywhere-from the mountains of Burma to the inner-city of Camden, New Jersey . Something is not right with our world and most of us know that, but not all of us care enough to take action. Because of my travels, all of this became personal and I began to care. Ive met the victims of government oppression, of ethnic cleansing, of genocide in Burma . At the end of my first visit to a refugee camp in T hailand I realized that Id seen too much and heard too many victims stories. I now had a responsibility to tell their story . So thats what I try to do-- tell these stories in hopes of igniting something within people that will inspire them to act .

Rachel Ryon

To me, a strong woman is one who isnt led by fear or by comfort. She is not ruled by fear - fear of being alone, fear of not being able to take care of herself. And she does not merely want to be comfortable -she spends herself dangerously on the behalf of others. A strong woman doesnt let anyone tell her that she cant do something just because of her gender. A strong woman takes the challenge and proves gracefully and humbly that yes, she can.

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Eden Pap

eden Papineau
Artist, coast guardsman (coastie), baker, daughter and friend.

From a very early age I understood how important it was to be a strong woman. Growing up in a single-parent household my mom had to work twice as hard which set an example for me; that it takes hard work and perseverance to support yourself and your family. Without a strong male role model I realized that a woman can do anything a man can do and more. I became independent and hardworking but used art as an outlet to remain youthful.

I had plenty of emotional support throughout my life but financially we struggled . I worked hard in high school because I knew I would have to pay for my own college. Once I was a sophomore in college I joined the Coast Guard because I wanted to do something selfless and challenging. I wanted to show the world that women are just as strong and I wanted to set an example for my then 8 year old sister.

A strong women is someone who wants to make a difference. Who stands strong and proud and holds her head up high. Who fights for what they believe in and isnt afraid to speak up. I believe that a woman in todays world has many more roles to undertake and it is our job to teach and set an example for the next generation of women.

a woman can do anything a man can do and more

Lotus Le

Lotus Lee
My name is Lotus Mary Alexandra Lee. Im a creator and artist of many forms.

I stand for, what I consider to be, subsets/avenues of love: fairness for all, balance/harmony amongst all relationships (whether it be between human beings, nature and human beings, or human beings and the Devine), kindness, truth, giving, passion, freedom, and peace. Essentially in standing for these subsets of love, I stand for love itself; a love that is thoroughly UNCONDITIONAL and strives for transparency to the love that I believe is truly meant for us. T he absence of love, I think, is also the absence of life and its my conquest during my time on this earth to do everything within my power to keep this unconditional love alive.

My idea of a strong woman is a woman who consistently challenges her boundaries and lives to be bigger than her body.

My idea of a strong woman is a woman who consistently challenges her boundaries and lives to be bigger than her body. A strong woman holds her head high and stands with her shoulders back, embracing good posture out of confidence, good spirit, wonder, and belief in herself. A strong woman isnt boastful, but humble and grounded by admirable characteristics, morals, and beliefs. A strong woman knows her place in the universe and knows she is fully deserving of that place. A strong woman is a human with insecurities as anyone else, yet is comfortable in her own skin and is aware of all the beauties she contains. Lastly, but not most importantly, a strong woman knows she is not inferior to anything or anyone; especially not to any man.
As an artist, I aim for the success and thriving of my creative talents. But, in this aim I do not wish for the glory of the self but for greater possibilities such as blissful stimulation, healing, inspiration, positive movement/change and education for others.

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relationships

st. sensitivity. selflessness. sacrifice. self-respect. truth. love. respect. time. trust. sensitivity. selflessness

i highly doubt

its not easy going through life alone

that we are to live throughout life alone. There is no way that with the billions and billions of people placed on this earth that we are not suppoed to establish some type of relationship with at least one of them. In fact, I think we are born with the necessity of connection. Once conceived in our mothers womb were already beginning the process of establishing a connection with another being--one that stems from dependency and deep love. While the relationship you have with your mother in the womb can and most likely will differ much from what you establish with the people you will meet as you grow and experience life, the idea of the relationship is still the same--life wouldnt be the same without them. It can definitely be a challenge finding someone worthy enough that youre willing to let into your life. A person you trust, will expose yourself to, and share experiences with. Many will come in and out of your life and youll hold on to few. As we grow and meet new people each day, relationships will be gained and lost, but you begin to understand the traits, qualities, and personalities that you hope for in a friend.

There are a several things that are important for a relationship to succeed and grow. To one another you owe a certain responsibility because you have earned and claimed that title of best friend.
I believe together you and your friend must be synergetic. You have to form a great team, work together, share your dreams with one another, help each other pursue those dreams, and support one another throughout life. You have to trust each other and be honest with one another. Dont judge but do be contructively critical. Truth can and will hurt, but you both have to understand the intentions of your honesty--that its to help one another grow and become the best selves you can be. Youre both going to go throuch changes and phases in life. Its best to just be there to support or provide your input or advice on any phase or transition the two of you go through. Be sensitive to one another and listen. Make sure youre both giving and taking in the relationship. Be a listener and a speaker. The psychologist and the patient in need. The two, three, four, five or however many that make up your extraordinary tandem or crew, should balance eachother out, be eachothers support, and bring out the best in one another.

I know it can be difficult to allow people to get close to you sometimes. Everyones people interaction differs based on experiences theyve been through. But no matter what, I believe the best way to approach the world is with an open mind. Be aware and attentive and pay attention. Listen to people. Its ok to keep a gaurd up and expose only bits and pieces of yourself slowly. But as long as you have an open mind, at least your giving someone a chance of teaching you something new about the world, about people, about life, and maybe about yourself. And then you can eventually decide whether you will let them into your world, your mind, and your heart .

association

relation

connection

link

parallel interconnection
alliance

interraction

CORRELATION

allianceBOND interrelation