'To my 15-year-old self': Things I wish I'd known

[seabeyond]

Today is International Day of the Girl -- a date on the annual calendar set aside to advocate for girls' rights and raise issues of gender bias.

CNN spoke to some of the world's most remarkable and impressive women -- from across the fields of politics, science, media, sports and culture -- to find out: "Looking back, what one piece of advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?" By Lauren Said-Moorhouse, Ines Torre and Matthew Ponsford, for CNN.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/11/world/gallery/international-day-of-the-girl/index.html?hpt=hp_c1



be true to yourself. carve your own path. confidence in self.

a theme from women to their 15 yr old self.

it was fun reading what the women had to say.

[TlalocW]

1. As a guy, I wouldn't have much to tell my 15-year-old self

I've always been right about everything. I've been a liberal since age 12.

TlalocW

[ismnotwasm]

2. Hmm

At 15 I was a runaway on the streets. I'd tell myself some of the same things some of the people around me did, never sell yourself and if you do, get a book of numbers, but don't stand on the street and never ever use a needle to use drugs. (I actually got a lecture on this. I owe street people my young life)

If I could has avoiding all that in the first place, I would have told myself "this too shall pass" go to school get a degree get the hell out of there and ever look back. Oh, and don't sleep with anyone unless they 1) respect girls 2) are pro choice 3) are concerned about birth control-- if those conditions can't be met, you're not ready for sex and neither is your partner. Wait.

Always use birth control, and a boy who won't use a condom is not your friend.

[seabeyond]

4. interesting list.

i had my couple two, three years in drugs. and i told myself, the point of going to a needle is a problem. i hadnt thought much of that, but you brought it up.

more of your story.

rebellious? or dysfunction? none of my business, but curious.

i was a russian roulette gal. condom and responsibility was top on my radar. then i met hubby, and understood what you are talking about. interesting post.

[MadrasT]

3. Dear 15 year old self:

Male approval isn't worth a hill of beans, so don't worry about if you've got it or not.

[seabeyond]

5. that is a good one. i dont think i had that issue at all.

i would imagine most of us did. but, ..... i dont believe i did. maybe it was the whole competitive swim team of both genders.

mine was the whole damn perfection thing to be loved by parents. which was all on me.