Oh, I leaned in!

Thank you, Sheryl Sandberg for inspiring me today during Levo League's "Office Hours." We all need to read her book Leaning In as soon as possible! It's next on my list, once I finish Jay Bilas' book! 

Stereotypes

Having a prom date or getting voted most likely to succeed? 
Well, Ms. Sandberg said, "You can decide its better to be most likely to succeed than to have a prom date, because it is." 

After this dance, I learned to always believe in myself

I could not agree more. I went to a few proms in my day, but I went to my high school's junior prom without a date and I treated it as the worst night of my life. I went in a group of 7 couples and myself, rather than in a group of girls without dates. I cried (yes cried!!) at photos because I was so ashamed (yes ashamed!!) of myself for not being "worthy" or "pretty" enough to have a date to silly junior prom. I left this dance approximately 45 minutes after I got there. Every time I look back on this memory, I become so disappointed in myself because I should have been more confident about going to a dance alone. All of the other proms I went to, I went with dates, and they were all awkward, dreadful and not fun. Although I didn't win "Most Likely to Succeed," I did win "Most Athletic," and that's something I'm more proud of than having had dates to dances, because I worked hard at sports my whole life and was well respected by my peers to receive all their votes. 

(After junior prom, I changed for the better and became more confident. I went to 6 dances senior year and had dates to all of them. Coincidence? I'd like to think so, but then again, it's just a silly dance.)

Stereotypes. My whole life I've defied stereotypes and redefined who I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to do (Like when I played Little League on an all boys team... and played middle-infield.) However, when it comes to the work force, I want to bring a skill set that is admirable and I want to change what is expected of women. I am a young professional, and I want to be prepared for everything that will come my way. Ms. Sandberg has defied stereotypes by being a female C.O.O. and raising a family. She taught me today that by leaning in and committing to my career, I will then develop balance. I could not agree more and I am excited for the upcoming challenges my future holds!

Don't call the little girl on the playground bossy... 
"She's not bossy, she has executive leadership skills"

xx