From Our In-School Big Sister Advice Event
This post shares anonymous responses collected during our in-school Big Sister Advice event. The event was created as a space for open reflection and honest conversation about girlhood, growing up, and the things we often wish someone had told us sooner.
During the event, participants were invited to respond to written prompts such as “Something I wish was normalized about growing up is…” and “One thing I’d tell my younger self about girlhood is…”. Responses were shared voluntarily and anonymously, allowing people to be open without fear of judgment or pressure.
The reflections shared below come directly from that day. They represent real experiences, personal insights, and moments of honesty offered to support others who may be feeling the same way. By preserving these responses in this space, we hope they continue to remind readers that many of the thoughts and challenges we carry are shared—and that no one is alone in navigating them.
Prompt 1: Something I wish was normalized about growing up is…
Responses:
“That being fifteen doesn’t mean you have everything figured out.”
“It’s okay to make mistakes!”
“Everyone is experiencing their own thoughts, emotions, and events—even if it doesn’t look like it.”
“Changing your mind about who you are and what you want.”
“Needing reassurance, even when you seem ‘put together.’”
“Not loving your body every day.”
“Outgrowing people, places, and versions of yourself.”
Prompt 2: One thing that helps me feel better when I am stressed about my body or emotions is…
Responses:
“Reminding myself that feelings pass, even when they feel overwhelming.”
“Putting my phone down and doing something with my hands, like drawing or cleaning.”
“Talking to someone who won’t judge me or try to fix everything.”
“Moving my body in a way that feels good, not punishing.”
“Writing down everything I’m thinking and not worrying if it makes sense.”
“Listening to music that makes me feel understood.”
“Remembering that my body is doing its best for me.”
Prompt 3: One thing I am still learning about myself is…
Responses:
“That I don’t need to earn rest.”
“That it’s okay to take up space and have opinions.”
“How to be kind to myself when I mess up.”
“That I can be both strong and sensitive at the same time.”
“Who I am outside of other people’s expectations.”
“That growth doesn’t always look obvious.”
“That I’m allowed to change.”
Prompt 4: A moment that made me proud to be a girl was…
Responses:
“When I stood up for myself, even though my voice was shaking.”
“Seeing girls support each other instead of competing.”
“Helping a friend through a hard time and knowing I made a difference.”
“Realizing how emotionally strong girls have to be.”
“Watching women speak honestly about things we’re told to hide.”
“When I chose myself instead of trying to please everyone else.”
“Being part of a space where girls could be honest without judgment.”
These responses are small pieces of much larger stories. Together, they show how deeply girls think, feel, and reflect, and how powerful it can be to realize that many of our worries, insecurities, and hopes are shared. The honesty in these words reminds us that growing up is not something meant to be done perfectly or alone.
If you see yourself in any of these reflections, know that you are not behind, broken, or failing. You are learning, changing, and becoming, just like everyone else. This space exists so these voices can continue to be heard and so the reassurance, advice, and understanding shared here can reach anyone who may need it. Feel free to add to any of these prompts or start a thoughtful discussion :)
From your big sister, always. 💛