Fenom Magazine by Courtney Pennington

Fenom

Volume 1 | Issue 1 | 2015

A Celebration of

Phenomenal

women

Editor's Note O

ver the past year, I have found that the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou has continued to inspire me again and again when I’m seeking to create work. The poem does a remarkable job of describing and celebrating everything that makes a woman phenomenal and powerful, and its words ring through my mind often. It became clear that celebrating women should be my central goal when creating Fenom, because I strongly believe that the world would be much better off if more women supported and encouraged each other. Pouring my heart and soul into this project has been a true joy, and I hope that the women featured in this magazine will consider it a sort of love letter to them, singing their praises, thanking them for their impact on my life, and helping others to realize how special they are. This magazine could not have happened without each of them. It is also my hope that after looking through Fenom, people will be inspired to celebrate the phenomenal women in their own lives. And lastly, I hope that this magazine will help communicate the message of Maya Angelou’s poem in a way that helps women learn to celebrate themselves, because each woman in phenomenal in her own way. Thank you for picking up this magazine. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being phenomenal.

Courtney Brown

How crazy is that?! Katie Williams

14 The Bond

Whitney Ozier

Melinda Posey

Julianna Hopper

18 The little voice

Mud isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a bad thing

someone who loves Katherine Burgess

Interview & Photos by Courtney Brown If I have heard KATIE WILLIAMS say “How crazy is that?!” once, I have heard her say it a million times. She gets genuinely excited about the smallest of things, and her joy is absolutely infectious. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Katie for almost four years now, and throughout that time, she has shown that excitement most through her love for Christ. Whether it’s praying for me when I feel like I can’t carry anymore or yelling “Praise the Lamb!” when something amazing happens, Katie is a constant light in my life. Her impact on my spiritual journey in the last year has been much greater than I know how to put into words, and she’s always there to remind me that even when I turn my back on God, He hasn’t turned His on me. The way she lives out the rhythms of grace and speaks truth in the lives of everyone she knows is admirable to all who have the pleasure to know her, and that is what makes Katie Williams a beautiful human, amazing friend, and mostly, a phenomenal Christian.

Who is your favorite woman in the scriptures?

ecently I read a book that explored the beauty of Noah’s wife, how her name is not even mentioned but how she is forever remembered for her faithfulness to her husband and her God. We see Noah’s story as a cute zoo-esque children’s tale, but do we realize how insane and painful it is? Noah literally BUILT AN ARK. And God literally FLOODED THE PLANET. Can you imagine the amount of faith, humility, and endurance it would take to stand by your husband when he’s heard a crazy message from God and tells you that you and your family will soon be the only people on the entire planet? She never demands attention or rebels, and it’s easy for us to see that as weakness, but my gosh, what insane character is that. That woman chose to live in a place of sowing through weeping with years of no fruit. What a unique example for me to have the privilege of following. I’m also a big fan of Ruth, who had a similar character of servanthood through sorrow. I also love Mary Magdalene, who teaches me to sit at the divine feet of Jesus when my heart is very prone to focus on the Martha-isms of life. My favorite story of Mary is when she pours that expensive perfume all over Jesus’ head. How crazy is that? And how Jesus tells his disciples to leave her alone because she has done a beautiful thing to him. As an artist, it’s a good reminder that Jesus sees the value of a beautiful moment that takes years of work and wages to receive.

Which women have been most impactful in your faith? The first woman I think of is my Aunt Felicia. We’re not super close (I only see her about once a year), but the impact she has made on me during those few weekends here and there is significant. She embraces intimacy with God better than anyone I know and lives so clearly in a state of joy and peace. She’s not afraid to ask questions, but she also knows what the Bible says about her God and clings to that truth tighter than to her own doubt. And she’s one of the only women I know who has embraced well the vital commandment God has given us to love our neighbors as ourselves. She

consistently prioritizes time with American immigrants, disabled people, and the elderly, as well as the everyday neighbors she encounters. And the beautiful thing about it all is that she doesn’t act as if it’s odd or a matter of opinion or a burden to be born. She just loves them, through and through, and allows them to become a part of her life. The primary other woman who has affected my faith greatly is my dear friend Amanda Bennet. Amanda graduated from Union two years before me, stayed in Jackson for a year and a half, and now lives in Boston. Anyone who knows her will tell you just how stunningly wise she is—but even with her eloquent speech and philosophy degree, she never uses that as a dividing line. She is one of the most genuinely humble people I know, laughing

at herself constantly, confessing her sin and fear bluntly, and seeing great value in the forgotten things of life. She is constantly putting her lifestyle and her culture up against the insane nature of God and seeking to embrace true discipleship—even if that means moving to Boston without a job or friends because she feels as if God is calling her into the “wilderness.” What is that?! Her spiritual imagination blows my mind and has been beyond helpful in my times of distress. She really does believe that her primary job in life is to seek the face of Christ...and she actually does that. All the time. And what a gift she gives in being 100% open to share that journey with those around her.

How do you seek to improve yourself as a daughter of Christ? Like my friend Amanda, I want to hear his words and actually believe them more, to actually obey them. I’m a bit of an accidental legalist and have wasted many a year trying to bind up my wounds with more and more rules for myself. Lately the phrase I’ve been using to describe Jesus pulling me closer to him is “correction in the direction of freedom.” So to love him better I do need to obey him more but to understand that the law he has for me is one of freedom. So often the most obedient thing I can do for him is to stop trying to fix myself with self-imposed rules. Colossians 2:20-23 tells me, “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’ These all are DESTINED TO PERISH with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an APPEARANCE OF WISDOM, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they LACK ANY VALUE in restraining sensual indulgence.” This. This is what I’m clinging to as I seek to be a better daughter to my Father.

extended family rejecting communication with us. It was the first time I felt like I was in utter darkness and the first time I can remember going to the Bible for actual help and hope. I knew very little about the Bible other than that the Psalms were in the middle, so I started there, not knowing that it was filled with prayers and promises that would bring me to a true understanding of the Gospel. God was not something I claimed—He was Someone I needed, every hour of every day. That’s when I first became a disciple of Jesus in the truest sense. God showed me an abundance of slow kindness in healing my family and helping me to understand the nature of joy and hope. It was a bitter time but also one of the sweetest seasons of my life, and it now stands as an altar of God’s faithfulness for my current times of distress.

Which book in the Bible have you found the most joy in, and why? Oh, that’s an easy one: 1 Peter. I haven’t read it in forever, but verse 1:8 was my theme verse in high school and has recently resurfaced to challenge me anew in understanding the nature of joy. It says,

“God was not something i claimed - he was someone i needed every hour of every day. That’s when I first became a disciple of Jesus in the truest sense.” -Katie Williams Has there been an event that has greatly shaped your faith in any way? If so, what was it? I think the biggest event was early in high school, when my faith transformed from simple theology and “heaven insurance” to knowing God intimately and starting to understand my actual need for Jesus. My family went through a really rough time of my parents struggling with their marriage, my sister fighting depression, and my

that it’s tricky. But praise God for His Holy Spirit! It fills us with a wellspring of joy all day, every day. For real. 1 Peter does a great job talking through that tension of lack of sight and wealth of joy. I said that was an easy one, but there’s actually so many books I could say. My two runner-ups are definitely Isaiah (forever a sucker for some hope-filled poetry) and the last few chapters of Revelation. God ends His Book on the best note you can imagine. The amount of hope in those pages is insane and transformative. Do yourself a favor and go fill your dry cup there!

How do you think Christian women should support each other? SPEAK TRUTH! Maybe it’s just me as a verbal processor, but it takes words on my lips to make truth in my brain become real. Testimony’s a big deal. It’s our little way of defeating Satan bit by bit every day. Once my pastor reminded me that every time I speak out fear and actually lie (since I’m not speaking the truth of God’s promises), I’m ultimately giving glory to Satan—declaring, “He’s right! What he told me must be true. Here is evidence of his power in my life.” Speaking truth brings glory to God, declaring HE’s right! What HE told me must be true. Here is evidence of HIS power in my life. I gotta hear my sisters speak that to me and I’ve gotta speak it back to them until I know that I know that I know what Jesus said.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. And even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible joy.” I mean, how crazy is that? I think that was essential for me to understand in the initial stages of following Jesus, that joy was not circumstantial nor was it just some cheap peace of mind. It actually has the power to be this overwhelming, contagious thing amongst not seeing Jesus. Peter gets it: we don’t alway see Jesus. We’re not crazy to think

Bond The

Interview by Courtney Brown

Most people identify themselves as a daddy’s girl or mama’s boy, but I have always been a sissy’s girl. As far back as I can remember, I have looked up to my big sister, WHITNEY OZIER, more than anyone else I know. My mother used to say I looked at Whitney “like she hung the moon,” and growing up, I pretty much thought she did. She was always there to do my hair and make up when I wanted to play dress up (usually in her clothes), or to let me tag along to a sleepover with her friends. I was her student for every pretend classroom, and once she even got me hopelessly stuck in a doll highchair. Even though I know most siblings go through an age where they don’t get along, I never had that with my sister because she was, and always will be, my biggest fan. Whitney has supported me, loved me, laughed with me, and often carried me through every part of my life. She taught me about forgiveness and grace far before I knew who Christ was, how to laugh at myself when I fall down (because she cackles literally every time I get hurt), how to love others selflessly and put them before myself, because that is what she has always done for me and her children, and most importantly, she taught me that I am special enough to deserve and expect to be treated well.

My sister has been the most influential human in my life, and growing up with her as my best friend has been more of a blessing than I will ever deserve. Her unconditional love, guidance, and support have made me the woman that I am today, and I will never have enough different ways to thank her for the role she has played in my life. Though her influence has not always been the best, like the time she convinced me it would be a good idea to let her tape me into her round chair and roll me down the hallway, it has always made my life an unforgettable adventure. Now, I get to watch her take care of her own children much like she did me, and it is a truly special thing to see. At 27, she is still just as selfless, kind, and generous as she was when she was the ten-year-old buying me dinosaur videos with her allowance, and I am lucky enough to see her children get to experience the truly Christ-like love that my sister gives so freely. Getting to witness her caring for them like she has always cared for me makes me love and admire her even more, which I didn’t know was possible. Whitney Ozier has spent her entire life showing me what a phenomenal woman should be, and that is what makes her a phenomenal sister.

Did you always want to be a sister? If so, why? Yes. I always wanted a sister so I would have a best friend for life.

What were your favorite things to do with your sister when you were growing up? We did everything together. We played baby dolls, Barbies, Nintendo games, built Tinkertoys and Legos, listened to music and danced around in our dress up clothes. We would go outside and play for hours whether we were catching crickets to go fishing, building a secret club house under our trampoline, or just swimming in the pool.

How do you think your sister would describe you? She would tell you I am strong.

What has been the hardest thing you’ve had to handle as a big sister? Wiping away the tears from her face. It is never easy seeing your sibling upset and knowing you can’t take the hurt or pain away for them.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a sister? Watching her grow into a beautiful young woman knowing I had some type of influence on her life to help her along the way.

“Always be there for one another. Laugh together, cry together, take a ton of pictures so you can look back at the memories you created with one another. Always make time for each other and never let anyone break the bond you have with your sibling(s).” -Whitney Ozier What is the most important thing your little sister has taught you? To be original and different. She has always stayed true to who she is, and I have always envied that about her. It’s admirable to see her embrace the person God created her to be!

What advice would you give other women about being a sister? Always be there for one another. Laugh together, cry together, take a ton of pictures so you can look back at the memories you created with one another. Always make time for each other and never let anyone break the bond you have with your sibling(s).

What traits do you think embody a phenomenal sister? Selflessness. I have always put my sister before myself because her happiness and well being was more important than my own. Also, patience because being an older sibling isn’t always easy when you have an extra shadow through life wanting to do everything you do. And lastly, you have to love unconditionally. You will never have another bond or relationship like you do with your sister so you always need to tell her how much you love her and appreciate her!

The Voice little

Interview & Photos by Courtney Brown

Everyone has the one teacher they’ll never forget. For some it is the teacher who pushed them the hardest. For others it is the teacher who never gave up on them. For the rest, it may just be the teacher who taught them everything they needed to know. MELINDA POSEY’s students are fortunate enough to be able to say all three of her. It has been my pleasure to get to take eight different classes with Melinda over the course of my college career, and I have learned more from her than I could ever have imagined. She is one of the most prepared, hard-working, dilligent teachers I have ever had, and even when you’re only halfway through the 450 thumbnails she assigned, you have to admit that she clearly knows what she’s doing. The impact that she has had on me, and all her students, as a designer, Christian, and mentor is immeasurable, and you would be hard pressed to find a teacher who fights harder for their kids. Her concern for her students, passion for design, and excitement for teaching are evident in every single class period, and that is what makes Melinda Posey a phenomenal teacher.

How did you end up in this career path?

or the majority of my childhood, I full out sprinted away from this path. My parents are both teachers and it was the last thing that I wanted to be growing up. I saw how long and hard they worked for very little rewards. My parents were both great teachers and being a teacher’s kid, everyone would always ask ‘Do you want to be a teacher?’ I would answer with a resounding ‘No! I want to be an illustrator/writer.’ When I came to Union I had both those goals in mind, but to me art was something that was personal and I wasn’t sure if I could/wanted to make a career in it. I focused on journalism and fell into graphic design and photography through that. When I left Union I had several opportunities open up around the country and I took the position that gave this 22-year-old graduate the most responsibility. I ended up two blocks away from Canada (literally the Welcome to the U.S. sign was the street after my apartment) managing marketing department. I loved it. I did everything from photography, writing press releases, coordinating events, creating advertisements, commercials, copywriting, managing a budget and people while creating graphic design pieces every day. I left Union, however, having a bigger itch for the fine art aspect of making than I ever realized. I looked for that community of makers when I got out and found that I needed that community to keep my other creative every day work fresh. After sometime in the real world I came back for a homecoming at Union, flew in on a red eye. I talked to my former professors in the art department, catching up. A bug for grad school was dropped in my ear. I kind of brushed it off that weekend, until I was asked to guest lecture on the spur of the moment by the then graphic design professor. They were studying logo design and I talked for an hour about what great logos can do for you. The students were excited and I for the first time felt ‘Wow – maybe this teaching thing that

you’ve run from all this time might be just right.’ I started to pray and by the time my red eye landed in Detroit I had decided that I would at least get my portfolio around to apply. I called my parents up at 3 am to tell them the news and they promptly said, ‘Go to bed.’ In the morning when I reiterated my news they said, ‘So that wasn’t a dream? Good luck.’ I scrambled to get my portfolio in by fast approaching deadlines and thankfully got into two great programs. One at Michigan State for specifically Digital Design and one at Memphis College of Art in Studio Art. Again, that itch for the fine arts led me to choose MCA. I never looked back. I quit my job. Took up freelance as a full-time gig and moved to Memphis. Grad school was hard and wonderful. The program at Memphis focused on a mix of history, aesthetics, design and studio. It was a great place to grow as an artist, and I enjoyed my professors and getting to know how to teach through them. When I finished with grad school I sent out teaching CVs on a whim, with the intention of heading back into the field to have education be my secondgeneration career (aka after I felt old in the ad agency to go teach). God had other plans. I interviewed around at several schools, but the place that I felt God had set aside for me was Union. It was the place where I felt that I was supposed to be all along. I just took the long way around.

What motivates you to teach? I love when a student have a “get it” moment. I love when they come back with their successes. I love hearing their challenges that we warned them about that they later say “Oh yeah, I was told about that in Ms. Posey’s classroom.” I love being able to prepare my students to be salt and light. It’s such a privilege that comes with working at Union, that we are preparing the kingdom through our craft and our workmanship.

What do you find most satisfying about teaching? I would say that the most satisfying thing is also the most motivating. I love the end result. I see the progression from wrestling with the program or language to the final portfolio where you shine to get that great job out of college. I love that aspect of getting to teach. I’m the guy that sits in the boat that knows what the other side looks like. All you get to hear is row…but I promise the end result, that diploma, that lovely book is worth the effort.

What has been your greatest struggle as a teacher? As a designer, we are often asked to make things that are difficult to understand easier. We process information. My largest struggle is to offer sympathy to students that don’t attempt to understand other subjects that they should. Lack of knowledge of English and History are hard for me to have patience with. I often find myself astonished that I am the first one filling them in, but have to step back and realize that if I am that first telling I should do it with the same approach that I have to designing difficult information. I believe that you should be endlessly curious if you are going to be a designer. My biggest struggle is when I don’t see that curiosity and all that is there is apathy.

Which female educators have had the greatest impact on your teaching style? I had a philosophy/aesthetics professor at MCA, Professor Nona Bolin who had the biggest influence on how I teach today. She was kind and so intelligent. Her style of coming alongside her students is something that I hope that my teaching exemplifies today. Also

“I would say that the most satisfying thing is also the most motivating. I love the end result. I see the progression from wrestling with the program or language to the final portfolio where you shine to get that great job out of college. I love that aspect of getting to teach. I’m the guy that sits in the boat that knows what the other side looks like. All you get to hear is row...but I promise the end result, that diploma, that lovely book is worth the effort.” -Melinda Posey

I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to my mother as a teacher. As a kindergarten teacher I am amazed that while I ran away from being a kindergarten teacher myself (I don’t know how they do it.) I teach many of the same subjects – alphabet (typography), color (color theory), art project (design principles), etc. My mom was a great teacher that would work her hardest to make sure that even the lowest child was right at level where they needed to be at the end of the year, even if it meant a new approach. I hope that I have the same energy in my own classroom.

What do you hope your legacy will be as an educator? I hope to be the little voice inside all my students heads. No really… Also I am excited to have made a lot of progress in the curriculum at Union since I’ve been here. We have added the Art Therapy program and the BFA. It’s been a lot of writing and paperwork, but knowing that we have a strong program to offer to our future students has been worth it.

Isn’t a

BAD Thing

Interview & Photos by Courtney Brown If you were to ask JULIANNA HOPPER how many children she has, she would likely answer you by saying six. The truth is, it’s probably impossible to know. Since she taught my big sister, and then me, in the first grade, she has been a second mother to us, cheering us on at every victory, offering support at every hard time, and loving us through every part of life. There are, I’m sure, countless others who would say that she has been a mother to them in some way as well, and they would all attest to what a blessing it is. Spending even five minutes with Julianna makes it extremely apparent that being a mother is what she was born to do. Kindness, understanding, and warmth radiate out of her in even the most chaotic of situations, and I would challenge you to find a woman who can juggle chickens, toddlers, and baseball practice better than she can. The selfless way she cares for her children, whether they be biological or “adopted,” shows that she is truly a phenomenal mother.

What motivated you to be a mother?

have always loved children. I babysat when I was a teen., taught the 3-5 year old Sunday school class the whole time I was in high school and college, and became a teacher so I could be with children and watch them grow and learn. I knew at an early age that I wanted children of my own.

What is your favorite thing to do with your kids? Besides being home with them every day and having the privilege of homeschooling them, I have to say it is just being with them in general. I love sitting back and watching them interact with each other. Each one of them has different personality and when they all get together it is fascinating to see how all those personalities come together to solve a problem, invent a game, tackle a chore, or just go fishing.

What has been your proudest moment as a mother? There is no way there could be just one. Just seeing our children grow up in a Christian home and seeing them interact with each other and other people makes me proud to be their mother every day!

“Some days it’s ok not to do the laundry or sweep the floors. Just enjoy what god has blessed you with. Even the most loving kids are going to argue and fuss. Mud isn’t a bad thing. It’s ok for animals to come in the house, even if it is a chicken, goat, or a calf!” -JULIANNA HOPPER

What do you hope your legacy as a mother will be? I hope that there is never a question in any of my children’s mind of how much I love and adored them! As far as a legacy, it is my prayer that they continue following in the footsteps of God and always remember that He is the one they should turn to in their time of need or trouble.

What are some of the most important things you have learned from your children? Some days it’s ok not to do the laundry or sweep the floors. Just enjoy what God has blessed you with. Even the most loving kids are going to fuss and argue. Mud isn’t a bad thing. It’s ok for animals to come in the house, even if it is a chicken, goat, or a calf! And most important…a sense of humor is a MUST!

What do you hope your children have learned about parenthood from you? Put God first in everything you do and pray every day. Also, It’s ok to make mistakes. Just admit them, apologize if necessary, and learn from them! I am reminded of a quote that I read years ago (before I had children): “If you mess up raising your children, nothing else you do matters very much.”

Which women have been most impactful in What traits do you think embody a phenomenal mother? your life as a mother? Both of my grandmothers and my husband’s grandmother. All three of these women were sweet, loving, patient, Christian examples that I strive to be like every day.

A good mother should be God-fearing, have unconditional love, patience, forgiveness, understanding and be a good listener.

Loves

Someone Who Interview & Photos by Courtney Brown

When I was a freshman, I looked at the girl sitting across from me in class and told her that she would be my “debate team BFF.” She smiled, said “Ok!” and I assumed that it was taken care of. I had no idea that this person I had just expected to share hotel rooms with me on debate trips would become the best friend that would play one of the biggest and most pivotal roles in my time at Union. But Katherine Burgess will surprise you that way. She is one of the most loyal, supportive, loving, and truly kind people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and she has seen me through some of the hardest times of my life without expecting anything in return. Katherine has a unique ability to love her friends fiercly and selflessly, and she never hesitates to look for the best in them or put their needs before her own. She will patiently explain your 3,700 questions while watching Star Wars for the first time, leave you encouraging notes featuring stickers of your favorite animal, give you an all access pass to play with her cat whenever you’re sad, or bring you chocolate ice cream to share when you have your first big fight with your boyfriend. It would take more pages than there are in this magazine to truly be able to explain what a phenomenal friend Katherine is, but the best way I know how to sum it up is to say that I never really believed that the people you met in college would be your friends for life until I met her. Now I know that she will be by my side through every phase of life, no matter where that may take us. And in case you were wondering, we did share a bed on almost every single debate trip. She hogs the covers.

What do you think is the key to a good friendship?

think the key to a good friendship is probably a mix of selflessness, loyalty and simply enjoying each other’s company. If you’re missing any of those three things, then you’re missing an integral part of a friendship.

How do you think women should support their friends? Women should support their friends with lots of chocolate and shoe-shopping trips! In addition to chocolate and shoe-shopping trips, a good friend should be open to taking those 3 a.m. phone calls, quick to run over and offer a listening ear and quick to be excited for another’s sake.

What are your favorite things to do with your friends? I love talking, shopping, reading, arguing, playing with my cat… My interests depend a lot on the friend. Some friends are wonderful to have conversation with over tea. Sometimes I simply enjoy resting in the company of another friend, going on an adventure with a friend or watching a movie with a friend.

What has been your greatest accomplishment as a friend? Sticking by people even when we’re years and continents away. I haven’t always done a good job with that, but I have some friendships that have persevered even when we haven’t seen each other in years and even when we live in different parts of the world. That is quite the accomplishment.

Which female friends have had the most impact in your life? I have five friends who have had the most impact on my life. The most recent are friends I made in college, Courtney Brown and Kayla Oxford. One day in debate class Courtney said, “You’re going to be my best friend.” I said OK and that was that. She’s stood by my side through the good and the bad and taught me so much about loyalty and dedication and joy. I met Kayla even before classes started. Her creativity, love of adventure and willingness to work so, so hard for her dreams has inspired me. The last three women are Jessica Seckler, Hannah Sworn and Abby Smith. Jessica and I have the friendship that has endured moves across continents and years apart. I know I can call her at any time of day

(or night) and she’ll answer and be ready to talk, even if we haven’t spoken in months. Hannah and Abby were two of my closest friends in high school, junior high, middle school—way, way back. While we’ve drifted apart (it’s the continents again), I know they have made me into such a better person. Through them I have learned how to seek justice, how to strive for excellence and how to persevere even when times seem dark.

How have your friends helped you through hard times? How have they not? Sometimes friends have offered a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes they’ve brought me bars of chocolate. Sometimes they’ve forced me to go to therapy, have given me tough love, have taken me on retail therapy shopping trips. They never fail to listen.

How would you want your friends to describe you?

“I think the key to a good friendship is probably a mix of selflessness, loyalty and simply enjoying each other’s company. If you’re missing any of those three things, then you’re missing an integral part of a friendship.” -KATHERINE BURGESS

I would want my friends to describe me as someone who loved and cared for the people around her.

Have there been any events that have strongly impacted your closest friendships? If so, what? When I moved from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, that impacted my friendships with Jessica, Hannah and Abby. Some of us drew closer, some further away. Late nights on the school paper led to my friendship with Kayla, while crying over my first heartbreak really began to build my friendship with Courtney. There are many other pieces of life that have impacted these and other friendships.

What traits do you think embody a phenomenal friend? A phenomenal friend is someone who loves, who is willing to be courageous for friendship, is willing to go outside of her comfort zone for the sake of her friends and is willing to self-sacrifice for others.

Phenomena

I’'m a woman, Phenomena

Pretty

women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman

Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

I walk

into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman

Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

al Woman

ally

That's me.

Men

themselves have

wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them, They say they still can’t see. I say, It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman

Now

you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. ’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise

Phenomenal woman Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;'m a woman, Phenomenally

That's me.