For me, this has been the summer of girlhood.

By Wynter Muro

There is nothing more difficult than being a girl growing through the years. As time passes, one leaves girlhood and enters the realm of being a woman. A bit dramatic, but drama is a part of girlhood.

Girls have been scrutinized and constantly ridiculed for every little thing. From the clothes that we wear on our bodies, the music we gush too “loudly” about, the makeup that paints our faces, or lack thereof, to the partners that we choose to love entirely. It seems to be a never ending exposure to the limelight.

However this summer, more than ever, has shot down every single internalized preconceived notion placed on us girls, for me. It has made me welcome, with open arms, every element that makes me the cliche “annoying girl.”

For me, this has been the summer of girlhood.

Surrounding myself with women has been integral in my life since the beginning. I have had the beautiful opportunity to look at all the stunning and powerful women who have stood by me in this past year.

It has been a time filled with painful growth and change. It has become so blatantly obvious how fruitful these relationships are and how the love I have for them became a direct reflection on the love that I have grown for myself.

This summer, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine and got rejected by every single law school I applied to. I have also been processing an intensely difficult and profound breakup with someone who contributed significantly to my life these past two years. I lost friends that I thought I’d always have in my corner. Fulfilled my dreams of traveling to NYC for the first time. I started working at my first “big girl” job. And finally, I moved back to my hometown that makes me feel 16 and small again.

I had never felt more alone and I can thank the talented Lorde for this lesson. I have in fact found out that it is so scary growing old.

But through all of the uncomfortable changes and trying moments, I was reminded that I am actually not alone. The beauty of this realization was not only shown through the women I know, but through some of the productions and creations of other female identifying icons this past summer.

Barbie was the movie of the summer and arguably, of the year. Nearly every girl I knew had a Barbie, or a variation of one. My mom and I have collected the notorious doll throughout my girlhood. A tradition that has only brought me closer to her. A tradition that included picking up the annual “Holiday Barbie” doll. So naturally, we could not wait to experience the “Barbie” movie.

I went to multiple screenings of the film and in each go, I went with different women who have profoundly added to my life. My tia and younger cousin were the first two who I experienced the movie with. I remember looking to my right and seeing my little cousin tearing up during the scene that included the song “What was I made for” by Billie Eilish. My tia soon followed with tears as well.

The second time was with my mom and stepdad, and I could not explain to you all how important it felt to watch that film with them.

That montage scene made me emotional beyond words. It showcased the lives of the women who contributed to the film, and it just hit perfectly. It grabbed at me, pulled me in and immersed me into the beautiful experience of girlhood and womanhood. Every sentiment expressed in the film made me feel understood and every joke comforted me.

The theater was filled with pink and pretty dresses and all the sobs and giggles of girls and women alike. It was something so healing and necessary to witness.

The Summer of Girlhood: Part One