TEDxWWU: The Power of Education, Stories and the Film Girl Rising

Last night I went with a wonderful group of college age women to the local movie theater to see a film that I have been following and eagerly looking forward to for months now. As we took our seats, I looked around to notice that the large theater was packed full of women. Women from all different backgrounds, who ranged in ages from mid 70s to as young as 6. This group was giving off an energy packed to the brim with excitement and curiosity.

What film was this that could bring such a diverse audience together on a Tuesday night?

Girl Rising.

A documentary filmed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, Girl Rising shares the stories of 9 girls from 9 different countries and documents the impact education has had on their lives and the lives of those around them. This film showcases the raw emotions and grace of humanity through the struggles and battles each of the 9 girls have faced in fighting for their right to receive an education. More than this, the film give startling statistics concerning the state of education for girls in developing countries.

I have a secret for you all. Are you ready for it? I have a dream that someday, something I do will change the world.

I know what you must be thinking right about now, about how changing the world seems like an awfully big task. But honestly, simplicity has never been my style. I'm a go-getter and dreamer.

One thing that I have always been passionate about is education. In a way, you could call it my "Idea Worth Spreading". I firmly believe that education has the power to change with world for the better. Only education has the ability to leave a lasting impact on people that spreads through communities like wildfire. In many ways, learning goes beyond books. Education is a platform that has the capacity to instill a sense of community, culture and compassion.

Stories equally have that power.

What makes Girl Rising powerful are the stories. Stories have the unique ability to connect people through sharing intimate details.By knowing a story, I believe you are changed forever. Hearing and sharing stories intertwine us all as humans. Once we hear a story, that story becomes apart of our own.

Leaving this film, I felt changed. With the heartbreak, determination and small victories witnessed in Girl Rising, I left with a new sense of humility. A fair bit of warning, once you see this film, a little piece of your soul will stay attached to each and everyone of these girls. After hearing their life stories, you leave the theater rooting for them.

Changing the world is really quite simple. According to the film, if you want to make the world a better place, slow the spread of HIV, raise nations out of poverty, and lower the global infanticide rates the answer is simple: Educate a Girl.

Here are the ways that you can help do that: