As a part of our "Essays" section,
the views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Photo Courtesy of Social Studies School Service
The formal definition of a Trailblazer is “a person who is the first to do or discover something and so makes it possible for others to follow”. Many people assume that to be a Trailblazer, one must accomplish an extraordinary feat, like discovering a new planet or unlocking the mysteries of life after death.
Yet, through my time at Florida State University and my life as a whole, I have come to see that trailblazers do not always stand in the spotlight. Sometimes, they sit right under our very noses, quietly inspiring and blazing a trail for us on a daily basis.
In recognizing and learning from these everyday trailblazers, I have gained more enrichment and inspiration than I could have ever imagined.
Readers, though it may not be the first place you think to set your sights when looking for female inspiration, I implore you to start close to home. Look to your professors, your family members, the women you encounter daily — their strength and persistence can often be the most powerful examples of trailblazing.
I also encourage you not to overlook your peers. It might feel unusual to seek inspiration from a friend or classmate, but FSU is filled with so many dedicated, accomplished, and hardworking young women. They are trailblazers in their own right, forging paths and making meaningful impacts every day.
For me, I find the greatest inspiration from my own personal trailblazer: my mother. At first glance, she would seemingly lack the accolades or achievements that one would need to garner this title.
My mom has no college degree, no medals or trophies, her name bears no feature in any publications or papers. She works a humble job and has a simple life. She may not be widely celebrated or accredited as a “Trailblazer,” but she has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for me, my dreams, and all of my endeavors.
My mom came to this country at 14 years old with no parents, no knowledge of the English language, and no concept of a life in America. However, she worked hard, overcame countless obstacles and challenges, and ultimately built a meaningful life for herself.
Every day, I wake up in my cozy apartment, sit beneath the swaying Tallahassee trees, join clubs, attend classes, and work toward the life I have always dreamed of — all because of the sacrifices my mother and father made.
In these moments, I remind myself, with deep gratitude, that my mother never had these opportunities and may never have them. That knowledge drives me to make the most of every single one.
So, I have learned to find inspiration in her journey — how she forged her own path without the privileges I have been granted. Knowing her resilience pushes me to put my best foot forward every day. How could I not?
As you, the readers, embark on adulthood and begin discovering who you are and what you want, it is natural and beneficial to seek inspiration from accomplished figures — especially remarkable women who have paved the way.
However, I urge you to first look around you — at the women in your own life — before turning to Google or switching on the television.
True inspiration often begins with those closest to us. For many, our mothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, grandmothers, and other significant female figures in our lives have paved the way before we could even conceptualize a trail; it would be a shame to let their legacies go unnoticed.
Finally, to the wonderful, trailblazing women in my own life, I write this essay as a humble expression of my gratitude. I would be nowhere without your wisdom, strength, and guidance. I would be nothing without you all.
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