FEATURED GIRL ACTIVIST

Rociel Pena, 18 years old
New York City

How are you an Emotional Creature?

• I am an emotional creature because I care enough to speak my mind about the issues that matter most to those not only in my immediate community, but the issues affecting the world as well. I allow myself to feel any emotion necessary and I care not if others think that I am "overly emotional."

How are you an activist?

• I am an activist because I refuse to stay quiet about the issues that affect all humans. I protest, walk, join organizations and talk about ways in which we can all help in the aid of global and domestic issues.

What do you like about being a girl?

• What I like about being a girl are these fabulous curves of mine. I also like that I am loud and opinionated and dedicated to any thing and anyone. I love that I love a fervor that is uncontrollable. I love that I am much more connected with the land than my typical male counterpart and that I have the power to give life.

How do you want to change the world?

• I would like to bring awareness to things that affect us greatly such as global warming, sexual health and war.

Who inspires you and why?

• My mother inspires me, my teachers inspire me, President Barack Obama inspires me, Eve Ensler inspires me, but most of all… I inspire me. I see the wrong and I act on it, It’s the small things that I try to amend.

What advice would you give to other girl activists?

• I would tell them to speak out against anything and everything that needs to be fixed. Being quiet solves NOTHING. You can’t make a difference sitting on your butt. Ask for help, get involved completely, don’t be afraid to let it all out and be your true self.