Letters to ... inspirational young women

~ I don’t quite know how I should begin this letter because this is part of why I am where I am right now. 

About four years ago I first came across a video of these girls. Partly because I still had the idea of an exchange year in the US on my mind. So I wanted to know how life in the States is like. But what I’ve learned is so much more than cultural differences. :)

Luck had it that I came across someone my age who was, despite living on the other side of the world, like me. Shy but still passionate about things. And above all, motivated to do well in school/focused on education. Believe me I admire everyone who has this kind of inner drive to do well. ~

Dear Alex and Sabrina, 

Thank you for being exactly who you are. And not afraid to show that to the sometimes scary world of the internet. When I first found your channels I watched your videos on and off for a while. About two years ago I came across your vlogmas videos. They were so motivational and exactly what I needed since December was usually one of the busiest months of the school year. You motivated me every day to keep studying and that it was not only worth it but actually possible. I’ve never been someone who just gave up but school sometimes throws so many rocks on your way to your future that it changes into mountains. I can’t thank you enough for your choice to care so much about your education. Even when you’re just talking about studying.

Honestly, I would not be where I am right now hadn’t I come across your videos. Literally.  Because I’m writing this in my University library.  ;) 

I’m in my first semester since October. And for this Bachelor-degree course only about 50 people got accepted. I doubt that this would have been possible hadn’t you decided to talk about your everyday school duties. 

Both of you are such amazing role models. And I hope that others especially young girls will find your videos in case they’ve lost their motivation.

I wish you all the best. In your academic and private life.

And as much motivation as you have given and are still giving me.

I hope you have a great week. 

Greetings from Europe.   

Letter to ... that old creep in a bookstore

Dear To that creepy old man,

How dare you? How dare you to walk up to a young girl and obtrude you upon her.
Let me set the scene again: You go into an almost empty bookstore in the city center. And walk up to a girl who is sitting in an area where there is no one except a 19 year old who is standing near the opposite bookshelf with the back to you. And you ask that young girl where she lives. No, the name of the city isn't enough. ‘Where exactly are you from?’. Moreover you show a very high interest in what her favorite animal is. And miraculously like cats as well. 1.Why? 2. WTF? 3. You have a severe problem. You went silent very quickly when the mom approached. No grown man could have good intentions to ask a young girl all that.

If you had good intentions then you as an adult should have noticed the uncomfort she was in while you’ve been talking to her; being around in the first place. It’s sickening me that people like you exist. We shouldn’t have to teach girls over and over again how there are, despite many good people, a lot of harmful humans around. This is a fucked up society.

You may have not noticed me standing opposite to you but I’ve heard every bit of your conversation and you can be sure that I would have not left that child alone. To everyone: teach girls, teenagers and young adults to look out for each other because we can’t rely on adults to do that. Even in a mall with video cameras.

You disgust me.