Join me on this four-year journey to become the Meril I am now.
Standing in Our Power
In this Women’s History Month collection, Girls Write Now writers explore the pivotal moments and experiences that awakened them to their own power.
CURATED BY MORAYO FALEYIMO; ART DESIGNED BY KATHRYN DESTIN
We approach this month as a time to honor, explore and support the experiences and survival of all women through an intersectional lens. By the teachings of Audre Lorde, when fighting for gender liberation, our differences serve as tools to bring us closer together, just as our similarities do. It is in this spirit that Girls Write Now amplifies the multitudinous voices of young women and gender-expansive youth, adding to a legacy of gender equity and inclusivity efforts through transformational storytelling.
—LEI FAGAN, MENTEE ALUM
The Journey
My piece is about my journey traveling across the world to build my confidence in the science world. I was taught to make history in breaking the stereotypes of women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
The Climate Crisis Needs A Story
I first joined the New York City Climate Strike Coalition in July 2019. In the company of such impassioned, optimistic youth activists, I quickly realized that the climate crisis is not about numbers. It is a human story, with a human solution.
A Tribute to Myself
This piece was inspired by the Natalie Douglas tributes workshop, along with 2020 being a new decade filled with emotions. Additionally, since I am graduating this year, this decade will be filled with me taking my place in history.
Tale of an Unsung Writer
I decided the best way to approach this year’s broad theme centered around history was to show how I can change the trajectory of my own story by being honest about my passions.
Fear Is My Superpower
This piece reflects on my bravery on how no matter how scared I was to do something, I always went for it. Fear has become my superpower and has helped me grow and see how strong I am.
The Infamous Catcall
This piece is a revolution. Living it and writing it changed me as a woman, and hopefully once you read it, you will be inspired to start your own revolution with me.
The Feminist in Me
I was a feminist long before I knew what the word meant.
Rising
“Uno, dos, y tres…” My father jumps off of the cliff into El Yaque del Norte, with me holding tightly onto his back.