To the women in my life, thank you

Although I hate to see Black History Month come to an end, March allows us to celebrate Women’s History Month! 

I’m proud to be a woman, specifically a Black woman. I couldn’t imagine being anything else in this life. 

During the month of March, I want to recognize all the women who’ve gotten me to where I am today. Of course I would have to start with my mother. She birthed three beautiful, bright and hardworking daughters. I’ve always looked up to her and can’t help but smile when I see myself turning into her more and more each day. 

My older sister has always set the tone for my twin sister and I. She always excelled in the classroom, which meant nothing less than excellence was expected from me. Even if she never noticed, she always pushed me to be better. 

My twin sister is one of my biggest inspirations. She is the definition of resilient. I have never seen her give up on a dream, and for that reason I won’t ever step away from something I want to achieve. She makes me want to be a better sister, student, and woman. Without the strong foundation of women I’ve always had in my life, I wouldn’t be the Kamryn I am today. 

Outside of my household, I’ve had many dance teachers who were so hard on me, but only because they knew my potential. Being a dancer for 17 years has made me stronger. I took the critiques and life lessons and still apply them to my life as I’m about to enter my fourth season as  a UNC Dance Team member. In high school, I had three Black female teachers who I knew cared so deeply for me. They didn’t just want to see me succeed in the classroom, but out in the real world as well. I saw this when they still kept in touch with me after I graduated and made sure I was still committing to my values and dreams from high school. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it to Carolina. 

I wrote all this to say, women are my core. While the world dedicates a month to celebrate us, I want to make sure I’m honoring them throughout the entire year.