Ages ago, the year before I started high school, (yes dinosaurs roamed the earth) there was a surge in gang activity and conflict at the school I planned to attend. Because my parents were divorced, I had my choice of two high schools: the one with gang troubles and the ‘good’ school.
Even without the Internet, Facebook, and smart phones, rumors traveled fast about fights, injuries (often stabbings), and naturally, the rare heroic moments. While my parents watched the news, I was listening to the grapevine. We heard differing reports many days, but one consistent theme eventually made the news:
When tensions ran high during lunch periods, in the halls, or even after school, girls (from either gang or often not connected at all) would bravely walk between the guys from rival gangs defusing a potentially ugly encounter. The guys would stand down rather than risk hurting the girls.
What these girls were doing was common knowledge among the students long before the reporters picked up on it: the girls understood the power they held and courageously stepped up to make the school a safe place for everyone.
Granted, life was different then, (remember the dinosaurs?) and that tactic might not be as effective today, but those girls dared to change their circumstances for the better of everyone.
My parents urged me to attend the ‘good’ school. The ‘safe’ school. On paper, it might have been the smarter choice. But the character and unity developing among the students at the other school intrigued me. Maybe I was just too young and too stupid, but I’d rather believe that those young women inspired me.
Looking back, I think that’s when the true power of women – in the form of girls my own age – became clear to me. I had lots of examples of female heroes in my elders, but these girls were my age, making a statement and taking a stand.
These girls were heroes. They saved injuries and likely saved lives. They might as well have worn Wonder Woman costumes. They weren’t worried about what side started it, they were all about shutting it down safely, and determined to make a difference.
Those young female heroes did make a difference for me – at the time they turned a dangerous school safe. They inspire me still, reminding me to recognize and use the power I have inside. And they are in no small part the fuel behind the strong kick-butt female characters who star in my novels.
Live the adventure!
