Girlhood Is Forever
By Rebeca Funes
Whether it be braiding each other’s hair, making friendship bracelets, and painting each other’s nails; for so many girls out there moments like these are treasured. The bond between girls that develops throughout their lives, whether that be through friendships or family, girlhood is something that women carry with them forever. A bond so strong that it leaves a lasting impact on women all around the world.
From an early age, friendships between girls help shape their identity. Through friendships, they develop a sense of self as they often look to others for guidance and mirror the women and girls that they look up to. With shared interests and experiencing the same awkward shift from elementary school to middle school, friendships between women allow them to feel connected with one another.
“Having close friendships with other girls is what allowed me to discover who I was. Because I was surrounded by girls who were all so different, but equally wonderful, I grew up understanding that there was no one way to “be a girl”, and so I felt safe to cut my hair how I wished or to try out new styles. Those friendships gave me a sense of belonging during times in life where I was still figuring myself out,” stated junior at Barbara Goleman Senior High School, Ella Hermannsson.
Similarly, the bond that flourishes in friendships between women can foster and strengthen emotional intelligence. The emotional intimacy and support that’s within girlhood friendships reduces feelings of isolation and instead helps build resilience and empathy. Not only that, but with this bond women can create relationships even with strangers.
“Learning about girlhood was hard growing up because of the friendships I’ve had in the past but I’ve recently discovered the actual meaning of girlhood with my two new friendship’s I’ve made. They taught me to love, be loyal, and always support each other regardless of the situation. They taught me that they would always be there for me through thick and thin. I’m very grateful to have met them,” commented student at Barry College, Xochil Funes.
Through shared experiences, girlhood has allowed women to challenge societal norms and create a sense of solidarity that women carry with them everyday. As a whole, women often experience a suppression of self expression, sexualization, and unrealistic expectations. Through the experiences of their own girlhood, women have created a community that looks out for each other, and although these experiences aren’t right, the feelings they bring aren’t theirs alone.
“A time where something had happened and my friend was there for me would have been when our car got broken down and we had to drive through a dangerous zone. Instead of panicking or being scared she would reassure me. She was always a calm person and would also help be grounded and encourage me. We looked out for each other,” said mother of four, Cesia Funes.
In essence, girlhood is the foundation of how women carry themselves throughout their life. The experiences within girlhood, whether it be positive or negative, leave an imprint on their behavior that persists into adulthood. Even before entering social settings, starting from the family, mothers play a big role in girlhood.
By creating an environment where daughters feel safe to express their fears, thoughts, and experiences, mothers build a trust that later becomes the base of healthy relationships. Not only that but mothers also help instill self-worth by praising unique qualities and seeing their daughters for more than just appearance, especially in a world that can erode self-esteem.
In a woman’s life, she will be guided by mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends through girlhood. Whether that be on the bathroom floor or the knowing glances at a bus late at night, girlhood has created a community that connects women. With unconditional support, shared experiences, and opportunities to grow, girlhood is something that leaves a lasting impact on women all around the world, using it as a guide to navigate life.
