Ashley Meyer
2021 Golden Women
Book Scholarship Winner
Pursuing Bachelor's Degree in Slavic Studies and International Relations Minors in Sustainability and Education
Stanford University
Why continuing an education is so important to her:
"In the modern age, the global connections that enable our countries growth should be our greatest concern, and despite current global conditions, one day I will be a U.S. Ambassador, drawing our country closer to our allies and enabling greater growth culturally and economically throughout the world.
International relations both unites and disconnects our globe as our ever-changing relations alter our daily lives. Our relations with Russia and Mexico are rocky at best, but they are exacerbated by untrue stereotypes. The similarities that join us are overlooked in sight of our differences. The Sherman’s Neckties of the Union Army and the Russian Scorched Earth Policy share the same decisive resolution, yet we look down upon Russia’s barbarism. The U.S. and Latin America shared in the creation of the mighty Mayans, yet we have lost the connections to our shared histories. Through unity, we can strengthen our countries together, bettering the people of two nations, and removing potential threats. With my future position, I would have the honor and privilege to better our relations, bridging the relationships that has been broken for too long.
After studying Russian on a full scholarship through the Kent State University Foreign Language Academy and Spanish within the foreign language programs at Franklin County High School, I knew that International Relations would be in my future. As a semifinalist for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth, I will have the option to study abroad and expand my knowledge of the Russian language and culture. After studying abroad, I plan to finish my collegiate education through Stanford University before interning at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Through my internship, I can gain additional skills to work my way up to becoming a diplomat. Using the skills of service, determination, and hard work to make the world into a more positive, more connected place.
Without higher education, I could never follow my passions of global connection and diplomacy as a method of creating a better world. As a young woman living with a chronic illness, it is easy to accept a passive role in society, following after my parents. But they, and I, see the potential for a great place for me within our growing world, and through higher education, I wish to take advantage of that potential."
Ashley proudly supports:
Girl Scouts of Central Indiana
Franklin County High School Spanish Club, Band and Track & Field
Gleaners Food Pantry
MCATZ
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Project: Radiance
Ashley, what does the term “Golden Women” mean to you?
“There is nothing truer to a Golden Woman than a woman who shows motivation. The diversity of passions we share in life vary from one another, but it is our motivation to better ourselves and our communities that sets Golden Women apart. Whether pursuing education, service, environmental health, equality, or even mentorship, a Golden Woman has the motivation to find her niche and grow, encouraging those around her to blossom as well. The beauty within the definition of a Golden Woman comes from its ambiguity, for anyone can find the motivation to become a Golden Woman.”
Ashely, describe something that is plaguing young women today and explain what can be done to turn it around? What can you do to help?
“Within academically rigorous high school programs, one statistic has been alarmingly true for many years, girls outnumber boys. To most this seems to be a message of success, as girls are finally becoming confident and daring enough to embrace positions within academically rigorous courses, but we have to take a more critical look at that matter. Within high school, students work towards their goals, either pursuing college or career, but within their efforts, there are certain standards of quality that reign over educational programs. Within the high school setting, women are more likely to be criticized for performing poorly within their courses than their male counterparts, as girls are seen to be better students naturally and are then expected to perform better. Though it was a battle to simply allow women within the academic environment, traditional stereotypes are taking over and forcing young women to maintain higher academic standards. For most young women, this means abandoning athletics, arts, or extracurriculars to dedicate more time to their studies. For other students, this means developing an unhealthy attachment to their grades, allowing any academic failure to greatly affect their mental state. As though women do not face enough struggle with mental health and appreciation within athletics, the stereotypes surrounding female students are one of the greatest challenges plaguing the female population. ”