When I think about my future, I see myself in the sciences, particularly the natural sciences. We only have one earth and right now it’s in pretty bad condition. We know what the problems are—now we have to do something progressive to turn things around. It’s the most important issue of our time because if we don’t have an earth to live on, nothing else really matters.
But it’s even worse for girls in other parts of the world.
I’d like to see all girls have opportunities to live the kind of lives they want to live.
Probably one of the best ways we can help them is to make sure they get a good education because right now many girls are denied that.In my personal life, I want to contribute positively to the world around me. I’m lucky because I have a stable life with unlimited opportunities.
I want others to live a good life too, and I’d like to help speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. I’m aware of problems facing girls all over the world, and that includes girls right here in the U.S. who suffer from low self-esteem, eating disorders, and pressure to be perfect.
Girls who are not educated have no power and a very difficult time moving to better situations. It’s hard for them to do what they want, to reach for their dreams, to do what they think is worthwhile and meaningful to them. That’s what Malala was fighting for in Pakistan.
I believe teaching girls to become leaders is extremely important.
We have a habit of falling under the stereotypes society places on us. I would like to help girls get out from underneath all of the negative stereotypes that hold us back from reaching our full potential and living our dreams.
Eden Roth, a sophomore at Springfield High School in Pennsylvania, is a musician, social activist, and budding scientist. Eden shares her views on gender equality, education and desire to change the world.