Girls who inspire me to be myself

Growing up as a teenage girl isn’t always easy.

There are moments when you feel unsure of who you are or where you’re going, and there are times when it seems like the world expects you to have it all figured out.

But for me, I’ve been lucky enough to have two amazing women in my life who have guided me, loved me, and inspired me to become the person I am today: my aunt and my mom.

 Without them, I don’t think I’d have the confidence or strength that I do now.

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My Aunt, My Biggest Cheerleader

From the time I was little, my aunt has been a constant presence.

She wasn’t just a relative who showed up at holidays—she was there for the everyday things.

She’s the person who picked me up from school when my mom was busy, the one who sat with me through long talks when I was feeling lost, and the person who celebrated every little win like it was the biggest deal in the world.

One thing about my aunt is that she has this way of making me believe I can do anything.

There were times when I doubted myself—like when I thought I wasn’t smart enough to join advanced classes or brave enough to try out for a leadership position at school.

 She was always the first one to tell me, “You’re capable. Don’t let fear stop you.”

It wasn’t just the words she said but the way she believed them for me until I could believe them for myself.

She also taught me to value kindness.

I’ve watched her go out of her way to help people, even when she didn’t have to.

Seeing her live that way made me realize that being strong doesn’t mean being harsh—it means being compassionate and standing by people even when it’s not easy.

She’s been my example of what it looks like to show up for the people you love, no matter what.

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My Mom, My First Role Model

If my aunt is my biggest cheerleader, then my mom is my foundation.

My mom has always been one of the strongest women I know.

She has faced challenges that I can’t even imagine, yet she has handled them with so much grace and determination.

Watching her navigate life has been like watching a masterclass in resilience.

My mom taught me that being strong doesn’t mean never crying or never having bad days.

It means showing up even when things are tough.

I remember nights when she worked long hours but still found time to ask about my day or help me study for a test. 

She showed me that love isn’t always about big gestures—it’s about the quiet, consistent ways you show up for the people who matter.

She’s also taught me independence.

She always tells me, “You are capable of creating the life you want.”

Those words stick with me whenever I start doubting myself. Whether it’s trying out for something scary,  applying for opportunities I’m not sure I’ll get, or even just speaking up in class, I hear her voice reminding me that I’m stronger than I think.

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Lessons I Carry With Me

To be me.

And that’s probably the most powerful thing they could have ever given me.

 Between my aunt and my mom, I’ve learned some of the most important lessons of my life.

They’ve shown me that being a girl isn’t about fitting into some perfect mold—it’s about being unapologetically yourself. 

They’ve taught me that hard work and kindness can take you far, and that even when things get hard, you keep pushing forward.

I think about how much of who I am comes from them.

My determination?

That’s from watching my mom.

My confidence to take risks?

That’s from my aunt encouraging me to go for it.

Even little things, like the way I treat my friends or the way I comfort someone who’s upset, are shaped by their examples.

In a world where it’s so easy to compare yourself to others, having these two women by my side has kept me grounded. 

They’ve reminded me that I don’t need to be anyone else—I just need

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Why Their Inspiration Matters to Me Now

High school can be a whirlwind of expectations—grades, friendships, sports, future plans—it can all feel overwhelming.

But whenever I start to lose myself in all the noise, I remember what my mom and aunt have shown me: that my worth isn’t defined by what I achieve or how I compare to anyone else.

It’s defined by the kind of person I am, and by the way I love and support the people around me.

Their support has also pushed me to go after big goals.

When I recently achieved something I thought was impossible—like making the varsity team or getting recognized for a project I worked really hard on—I could hear both of their voices cheering me on in my head.

 It wasn’t just about the accomplishment itself, but about knowing that the women who raised and loved me believed in me every step of the way.

As I grow older, I know there will be new challenges and new dreams to chase. 

But I also know that the lessons my aunt and mom have given me will always guide me.

They’ve inspired me to embrace who I am, flaws and all, and to never be afraid of dreaming big.

To any girl who feels unsure of herself or doesn’t know where she fits in—look to the women who have loved and supported you.

Sometimes, the inspiration you need is already standing right beside you.

For me, that inspiration has always been my aunt and my mom. 

They’ve made me who I am, and because of them, I’m learning to love and trust myself more every day.