The Shield: In today’s #TuesdayTop10, we give the floor to freshman photojournalism student Bella Russo who has a perfect editorial photo essay to post during International Women’s Week.

Bella Russo: The feeling of powerlessness is overwhelming for many women. Many of us face fear daily, from simple acts like walking down a street alone to wearing our hair up. That fear and powerlessness is reinforced when we turn towards media outlets, where stories are spread of assaults and rape, where we are slandered and ignored, where we watch politicians that do not understand us yet make decisions for us. Although that ever-present fear remains in our society, the strength of those who face it and fight against it is also present although we don’t always focus on it or recognize it. Many say that being female is synonymous with weakness, but the truth is that womanhood is what makes us strong. My purpose in this photo essay is to convey the strength of the women I know and to document and present the source of their power.

Feminine and Strong

Helen is one of the strongest, outspoken, woman I know. Her self confidence stems from the inside, where above anything, she is true to herself. However, Helen didn’t used to enjoy being female. She remembers her early childhood fondly, her young obsession with makeup, and pink, and the general assortment of femininity, However, as she she grew older, she became stereotyped incessantly. “Because I was blonde and blue-eyed, I had to like pink. I had to wear skirts.” Helen remembers a point where she felt she had to be masculine just to prove everyone wrong. “It hit me one day. You don’t have to hate pink! You don’t have to hate skirts! I can like makeup, and I can like my long hair, and just because I’m feminine doesn’t make me any less than a person, or any less strong.” Photo by Bella Russo.

In Commanding Fashion

Artist and model Pearl Hinely peruses the shoe rack of a local Goodwill. As a fashion designer and enthusiast, Pearl loves to experiment with what she wears and the art she creates. She draws power from her uniqueness, and her “Life is a runway” mentality shows, from the way she walks down a crowded hall at school, to her own art she creates as a fine arts student. “Heels, and fashion in general are a huge part of who I am, and how I express myself,” Hinely said. “And of course, being physically taller than someone gives you power like nothing else.” Photo by Bella Russo.

Tough as Nails

Freshman Ella Dart shows off her natural nails during the lunch period at Mac. The 15-year-old spends a lot of her time meticulously filing, polishing, and caring for her nails, but believes that the upkeep is far worth it. “It’s something that I like to do. They’ve given me a community,” Dart said, referring to the feeling of pride they bring her and others that share in the art. “I feel like I could stab someone with them!” she laughed, before turning towards more of the personal reason behind maintaining the hobby. “It’s kind of what I have gotten to be known for (and) It makes me feel powerful.” Photo by Bella Russo.

Drive

Melissa Russo, age 51, checks the mirror of her Ford Edge on her morning commute to work. As a pharmaceutical sales tepresentative, Melissa does a lot of driving. However, the task that some seem more that willing to delegate, serves as a lot more than a means of transportation to the working mother of three. “ I feel strong when I’m driving.” Russo said. “There’s a feeling you get, when you’re driving down a winding road, that’s makes you feel capable of anything...Powerful.” Photo by Bella Russo.

Target of Attention

Mariana Torres DeLine isn’t much for theatrics or bravado. “I like hiding,” Torres DeLine said about her preference to stay out of attention during school or out in public. Archery, for her, is different. She credits the craft with bringing her confidence, and in turn, a sense of empowerment. “I think part of it is that it’s not based on looks or appearance, it’s based on skill, and it’s one of the few things I feel good at.” Mariana said. “When I do archery, I don’t mind people looking at me. I don’t feel like I have to hide." Photo by Bella Russo.

One of a Kind

Teenager Ginger Bolton smiles, playfully jumping in front of my camera as I take her photo. Fourteen years old, Ginger says she is extremely confident in herself, perhaps even a little too much. However, she admits that like many of us, it took her awhile to learn to love herself for who she was. “When I was younger I was ashamed of my weight and my body. Basically, I tried so hard to be just like all the other girls.” Bolton said, her typical energetic personality subdued in remembering what she described as a really dark time of her life. In relation of how Ginger views herself currently, things have drastically changed for the better. Anyone who knows Ginger can see that her strength comes from her vivid, self-possessed personality. “Now, I love to express who I am. I love my body, my face, my uniqueness.” Photo by Bella Russo.

Team Player

Hours after her softball practice, Bridget Russo works on her school assignments, still in her uniform. The freshman rarely changes out of her jerseys after games or practices, choosing instead to show off her status as a proud student athlete. Being a part of a team, Bridget said, empowers her. “Accomplishing wins and coming back from losses shapes my personality and gives me a purpose,” Russo said. “Goals give me something to work on, and failures put things in perspective.” Photo by Bella Russo.

Brain Power

Freshman Olivia Capotiano is caught mid-sentence as she revels in her fresh experiences at Anderson High School. Words have always been important to Capotiano, who prides her comedic and academic accomplishments higher than anything. Currently, Olivia attributes the source of her strength to her intelligence and wit. “A lot of my confidence comes from my success at school,” Capotiano said. “ And I feel pride in knowing that I am capable of succeeding in a lot of different things.” Photo by Bella Russo.

Free as a Bird

Holding out her pompoms, freshman Harper Cummings warms up for a Blue Brigade performance in the Mac gym. Although some credit their strength to rituals and activities, Harper’s strength, she says, comes from a much broader a source. “I think the thing that empowers me the most is my freedom,” the athlete, journalist, and actress said. “I have the freedom to do whatever I want. I can be in Blue Brigade, I can go to college. I have strength in the choices I make.” Photo by Bella Russo.

Power Kick(s)

Darian Dietrick poses with her favorite accessory, the classic Converse high-top sneaker. Although some might see the shoes as insignificant, to Darian, her daily staple serves a higher purpose. Not only do the timeless pair lend her a feeling of stylishness but also a sense of self-assuredness. They are a constant in an ever-changing world. “They are comfortable, they go with anything,” Dietrick listed, “and they are everything I like in an outfit. I feel confident when I wear them.” Photo by Bella Russo.