GIRL POWER

Alessandra de Rossi shows us what a real girl power is all about as she cites the ten most empowering moments in her life.

(From the Advertising Feature segment of the Cosmopolitan Magazine (Philippines), May 2007 issue)

1. Ending a bad relationship. I woke up from a fantasy and accepted that the break was meant to be. After the crying and self-pity, I felt stronger and more secure about myself. I knew it was only the beginning of better things to come.
2. Landing my first job. I believe that one of the most compelling moments in a person’s life is having more powerful or influential believe in you. I considered my first job a big honor and a great challenge. I took full advantage and gave it my all. I charged it all to experience and had a great time.
3. Buying big-ticket items like a car or a house. I worked so hard and it felt like every tear I cried just to earn a paycheck finally paid off. Buying big-ticket items was like giving myself a reward. I felt very content but I also knew that it was not my end-all-be-all goal in life.
4. Managing my own finances. Saving for the future while paying my bills is always a daily challenge especially when it’s so tempting to go shopping. I felt very proud of myself when I saw a beautiful pair of shoes worth P45K (45, 000 Php). I knew I could afford it but I didn’t buy it. Instead, I let my boyfriend buy it for me. Yeah!
5. Speaking up for what I think is right. In my craft, this means saying “no” to bold roles or lewd pictorials. I say “no” when I can’t put my heart and soul in a task I’m not convicted to do. I don’t think it makes me a bad person when I stand up for what I think is right. In fact, it makes me stronger.
6. Becoming a good negotiator. Closing a deal and coming to an agreement is thrilling. It makes me feel good that I have the ability to make the result favorable both for me and for others as well.
7. Taking risks. It’s the most exciting part of our existence! I’m never afraid to take risks as long as I know I’m not going to hurt anyone. I try to study the consequences before I dive into it.
8. Winning my first award among a group of veteran and established nominees. I gained more respect for myself after achieving something that I thought was impossible. Winning an award serves as my motivation to work even harder.
9. Being 100% independent and away from the family. This is the hardest part of being me. It’s good sometimes because I get to do whatever I like; but it’s also hard waking up in the morning and not having anyone ask you if you’ve had breakfast. Living alone teaches me a lot of responsibility and forces me to look after myself better. If not me, then who else will do?
10. Empowering other women. We all have our bad days and we each have to admit that we can’t handle it all on our own. It’s nice to know I can be a shoulder to cry on for my girl friends.