Could this be any more perfect for today's lecture?

If you came to class today (I hope you did!), you will remember we talked all about gender and media.

Later this evening, my daughter, Hannah, wanted to show me something she had been watching. It was called "And the Tiara goes to..." At first I REALLY didn't want to watch. It sounded like the anti-Sarah and something I would hate. But she kept pressing me and telling me I would love it, so I gave in.

The program is an American Doll episode. Which I really do love in theory (I grew up with the stories). This particular episode centers around a beauty pageant. One of the girls (Julie) decides to just "be herself" in the talent portion and so instead of singing, dancing, etc., Julie decides to dribble a basketball. So cool! And then Hannah wanted to show me one more part. All the girls were being asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. Answers included being a veterinarian, fashion designer, ballet studio owner, flight attendant, movie star, etc. All great things. Julie's answer brought tears to my eyes.

"President of the United States"

"Well...not right away. I'd have to go college and then maybe become a mayor. And I know it might be really hard because there's never been a female president, but imagine what it would be like if one day....girls were born and they never even remembered a time when there hadn't been a woman president. Those girls would just know it was possible and never know that it wasn't. I think that would be really exciting? Don't you?"

Here is the full episode and that great scene starts at 9:20. Well worth a few minutes of your time.

I asked Hannah later that evening if she thought she would like to be president someday. She grinned and said, "Absolutely!"

I am so thankful for this girl of mine. Boy, she can sure give us a run for our money sometimes (see my SFL351 lecture on emotion regulation!), but she is an absolute joy for the most part. She is really figuring things out and is mature beyond her years. She is kind, smart, empathetic, generous, and a true defender. When other kids are getting picked on - she is the kid to stop it. She knows who she is and she has a beautiful spirit. Hannah got baptized in January (see a few pictures below). It was a beautiful, perfect day. Right after she got the Holy Ghost she asked to bear her testimony. She talked about her faith in Jesus Christ and her knowledge that families will be together forever. She broke down in tears and left the stand sobbing, overcome with the Spirit. Sometimes, it is an absolute privilege being a parent. Love you Hannah. And if anyone could be the first female president - it would be you (well....or Hillary Clinton!) :)