A Solid Plan for a Solid Future. The Importance of Young Girls Taking Charge of Their Life.

The Garden State Woman Education Foundation (GSWEF) is an organization that pushes and aids young women to take charge of their futures. We see the significance of young girls taking control from an early age. By providing a platform for young girls to learn, plan, and think about their future careers and life goals, GSWEF supports and encourages young woman to be independent and successful achievers. Since 1998, GSWEF has catered to women with services aimed to support women in business, finance, and health. To further help young women thrive in life beyond school, GSWEF provides them with sensible information and advice, hosts career-related events, and provides academic scholarships that will aid them in their journey to success.

Growing up, girls are constantly bombarded with questions like what will they be when they grow up, what college will they go to, and where do they see themselves in ten years. Although these questions seem like simple, pleasant conversation starters, they hold a lot of weight to those in high school. High school students are more often than not hanging in the air and going where the wind blows when it comes to their future. It can be difficult navigating and planning one’s life at only 15 years old. And once a young woman turns 18, they are expected to cross the threshold of adulthood with their head held high having had little to no preparation for what’s to come.
Getting ready for one’s future as an adult and out of college is no easy task. Wrong decisions early in life can have negative impacts on someone’s future. Consequentially, it is more common for someone to make these kinds of decisions when they do not have a solid plan. Planning for the future outside of high school is difficult and stressful especially if the person has had no guidance. However, being an inexperienced high school student is not the only limitation when it comes to planning for one’s future. Living in a society where women are at a disadvantage in many social aspects as compared to men, it is especially difficult for young girls to have confidence in their futures. That is why it is important to guide and teach young girls early to take control of their life and show them how they can plan to be independent.
When it comes to raising awareness among young girls to take charge of their future, where do we begin? Taking charge of one’s future consists of more than just figuring out what job to get after graduation. To help young girls take control, all aspects of career and personal development must be addressed. This includes discovering what field of study and career path to explore, setting personal goals, planning for success, a change in mindset, and much more. Young girls must be guided to start implementing positive daily habits and consistent goal setting into their present lives. Only by teaching girls at a young age to take charge now, can they be in control and independent in their future.
Becoming successful, independent, and fulfilled does not happen overnight. It takes hard work and discipline to reach the highest of goals. The earlier a person starts, the earlier they will reap the benefits of their hard work. Goals are achieved by working towards a specific vision daily. In fact, a teenage brain is very receptive to learning new skills. Being able to learn and retain information is the perfect recipe for creating habits. According to a 2009 study, it takes approximately 66 days for a behavior to become an automatic habit. As Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” So by raising awareness among young girls to take control of their lives and plan for their future early, they will be equipped with the skills necessary to cultivate lifelong habits that will lead to successful and fulfilling lives.

Sources:

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/evolutionary-advantage-teenage-brain

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-form-a-habit#the-21-day-myth

https://www.forbes.com/quotes/659/