For example, 12-year-old me. Boys were always on my mind. I was in 7th grade. I was a smart kid so I was in the smart classes. I hung out with my friends in the pizzeria that was two doors away from me. I was always safe and even though I knew kids that experimented with things like smoking, drugs, liquor and sex, I wasn't doing that at 12. School kept me busy and I had adults in my life who were able to provide for my basic needs. Because I had something so simple, I was able to go on to do other things in my life.
By 13, I was writing poetry. In high school, I was in an honors program, in the National Honors Society, and graduated 19th in my class. I went on to get an Associates in Music Production, usually being one of three or four girls in a classroom full of guys. After that, I got a Bachelors in Journalism. While finishing up school, I have been developing this blog and the website. My poetry has been published in literary magazines and websites. Whatever hardships I am going through now as an adult, I at least have an education and small accomplishments to back me up. No kids (not yet at least), in a normal, healthy relationship, and I am disease free. I'm about to turn 25.
But what if I had been a 12-year-old girl in another country and culture? What if I didn't have a family that could support my basic needs nor afford to send me to school? How would my life have turned out? Below is a video from the website, The Girl Effect. In this video, they give you a little insight on what can happen to a 12-year-old girl. Watch it, I promise it is definitely worth the three minutes.
Organizations like The Girl Effect cannot thrive without awareness. These girls cannot thrive without awareness. So spread awareness. Share this blog post with people on Facebook and Twitter. If you have your own blog, write your own blog post. Share the The Girl Effect (thegirleffect.org) link with anyone and everyone. Share the YouTube videos. Make a donation if you are financially able to. Hold a fundraiser or an auction. Create a group at your school about The Girl Effect. Just please do something. This is what this blog post is about. Spreading awareness and doing something. Help continue that.
I was once a 12-year-old girl. One day, I might have a 12-year-old girl. My friends will have 12-year-old girls in ten years or less. I know that we will do everything in our power for our girls. Can we please do something for someone else's 12-year-old girl?