March 8th is International Women's Day. I spent most of the day (and the next day) being angry at people (read men) getting uppity at the fact and trying to explain why we need this day. I was going to blog along similar lines but figured I'd gotten all ranty fairly recently.
So I'm doing something different.
International Women's Day is meant to celebrate women and their achievements. So instead of a rant, you're getting a list of my achievements;
I successfully completed school with grades good enough to get me into my first choice university.
I achieved a good degree in a science related subject.
I got onto a PhD program at a time when funding is extremely tight, even in the sciences.
I have acquired a working knowledge of Unix type systems
I achieved my Grand Prior Award with St John Ambulance, the highest award achievable as a youth member.
I was chosen to be Cadet of the Year for my county, and represented the organisation at a national level.
I have successfully navigated living in my own home, away from parents, and all that entails.
I have gained, and am still working on, a healthy romantic relationship, despite the barriers society puts up.
I have nurtured a number of meaningful friendships.
I have achieved a healthy relationship with my body, despite the cultural oppression of body hate.
I learned how to juggle three balls, and then three clubs.
Achievements of any kind should always be celebrated. Achievements made by anyone. We shouldn't just celebrate the achievements of a select, supposedly elite few. But that is the reality if the world we live in. I believe we can change that, one celebration at a time.
