#LikeAGirl

I was listening to music on YouTube when I came across this ad. Usually after 5 seconds you have the option to skip the ad, but I couldn't stop watching! Always is a female product brand that embraces the idea of building up women. In their efforts to provide comfort to women during their "time of the month" they back their product with strong messages such as this. #LikeAGirl

As a young adult, the insult of performing a task "like a girl" bares little to no weight. However, as a little girl, being labeled and put down in a social gathering was a big deal. As mentioned in the video, sport settings are the most common way to assume that girls cannot play with as much skill or aggression as boys.

Growing up with an older brother and a jokester of a father, I remember getting offended by this very comment "like a girl". Whether we were throwing a football, shooting some hoops, or kicking a soccer ball, my efforts in returning the ball was automatically a reflection of my gender. Yes, it's true, I am a girl. And I honestly believed that put me at a disadvantage, at least athletically speaking. I always knew I was more book smart then my brother, but that is besides the point.

After watching this video, I wonder if my interest in sports would have been different. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to try an array of activities from gymnastics and tap dancing to soccer, basketball, and volleyball. But each activity separated the boys from the girls. I grew up thinking this divide was because we throw like girls or kick like girls. Later in life, I had this misconception that watching sports on t.v. with female participants was slower and less exciting. I even entered college thinking that intramural groups might be too competitive for me personally. What if... I'm sure if we all took a moment to reflect on our childhood, some distant memory will resonate with a decision made since then.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to my nine-year-old self, I would encourage her to stay active and to be proud to be a girl. I would tell her that one day she would be a babysitter, a tutor, a big sister, and a mentor to other girls her age. And these girls are not going to think you are "like a girl". They are going to look up to you and wish to be a girl like you.

-SB

Who Am I

Hannah-Lynn

5'6

brown eyes

ombre hair

Winston-Salem Native 

Hilton Head Local

Pittsburgh Resident

London Survivor

Junior at High Point University

Graphic Design Major

Communication Minor

+ Energy

Alex & Ani. Positive Energy. You know you’re from the south when you pronounce this brand as Alex & (Annie). However, you say it, Ani or Annie, its jewelry that reflects you; your beliefs, your interest, and your values. A statement you can make without permanently branding yourself with a tattoo. These expandable bangles are thin with a lightweight charm that bares a heavy meaning. Before choosing a charm, the big question you will have to answer is silver or gold? This line suggests you mix and match, but us girls are very particular about our jewelry. Then you compare the charms whether they are etched into a circle or cut out into a shape of a seahorse or starfish. 

After picking up a few charms, you notice the three words boldly stated on the cards. Now you have to compare the overall meaning of the charm. But then you are stuck with two charms with similar meanings. You flip the card over to discover a personable message that makes you melt inside. At this point, you are emotionally captivated and end up buying a bracelet for your mother, best friend, and sorority sister.

To you, these charmed bangles are brand new.  As far as the South knows, this Alex & Ani or (Annie) craze had its first kick off this past Super Bowl with the airing of its mesmerizing commercial. But the Northerners know better. Alex & Ani was established ten years ago in 2004 as a small business in Massachusetts. Charm bracelets were reincarnated, in the form of bangles. Originally, these charms were expressions of the mind, body, and soul. That Ying-Yang mind set coexisting with the energies in this world kind of feeling.  Now, Alex & Ani are collectible symbolic pieces with empowering meanings used to give oneself and other’s positive energy.  The charms took on a new life with their new line, Charity by Design, in which non-profit organizations were represented by a carefully designed charm to raise awareness. With the purchase of these selective charms, 20% of the proceeds go to the charities. 

Charms like…

The Sunflower, symbolizes Alzheimer’s Association and means (Optimistic-Compassionate-Resilient).

Or the Life Preserver represents Donate Life America and means (Resilience-Support-Assurance).

And the Create Peace charm raises awareness for the PeaceLove Foundation and means (Creativity-Understanding-Hope).

Wearing a Charity by Design bangle bracelet ignites the flame of passion for a cause and spreads like a forest fire. Raising awareness, giving towards the cause, and word of mouth makes the valued customer of Alex & Ani an activist. Who would have thought that a single piece of jewelry could have such a big impact?! That positive energy is not just a mood setter; it’s a trendsetter. Wearing Alex & Ani is like wearing your heart on your sleeve. Alex & Ani reminds you of the inner strength, confidence, and beauty hidden in you. As you wear it out, people take notice. And those familiar with the line want to know which charms you value most. Alex & Ani is more than just a bracelet. It’s a statement. What’s your statement?

For more information visit their website. www.alexandani.com

xox SB