Feminism is one of the most controversial and misunderstood concepts in our society today. Before confusing those who don’t know what feminism is, here is the exact definition:  Key word: Equality I spent years scrunching my nose and rolling my eyes when I heard the word feminism. I would scoff and claim to be high above what seemed to be a silly notion to me. My lack of understanding and education caused me to see feminism as nothing more than women who believed they were better than men and didn’t want to wear shirts. Going into my sophomore year of high school I read a poem online that changed the way I would see feminism forever. “I AM A FEMINIST            For every trans woman who’s been slaughtered solely for existing. I AM A FEMINIST            Because Malala Yousafzai took a bullet to the brain for wanting an education. I AM A FEMINIST            For every lesbian, bisexual and pansexual woman who’s been sexually objectified. I …

A month ago, I returned home from a trip to Australia with National Geographic. Many people back home were curious what my on assignment project for studying wildlife and biodiversity consisted of. A lovely Canadian named Beverly and I were assigned to work specifically on the Great Barrier Reef. We decided our final would consist of sharing some insight and education on the reef and some tips on how to protect it. The following piece will be submitted into a book that will combine every final project: Hot sun kisses my back as a cold wind dances through my hair. Splash! The cold water shocks my skin like an electric eel. Every hue of blue you could imagine rests in the rocky waters I’ve just jumped into. Through the yellow mask strapped to my head, the world underneath me looks like every snorkeling brochure I’ve ever seen. Fish of every color swarm below me. I make eye contact with a huge Hump-headed Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulates) and he quickly tries to scurry off. In this moment it …