This past summer Marie Murphy, a junior, wrote and submitted an essay for an essay contest sponsored by the United Nations. On October 10, Murphy delivered a speech during the UN Summit.

1) How did you find out about the essay competition?

“I found out when I got a flyer via email from the Girls Learn International headquarters. Girls Learn International (GLI) is an NGO that works in schools; I am the DHS chapter president and the president for the region as well.”

2) What was your essay about?

“It was about breaking barriers as a girl who fights, Muay Thai boxing.”

3) What compelled you to write your essay?

“I wanted to share my story of sexism that I’ve experienced doing what I love.”

4) What people in your life helped you write your essay?

“No one helped my actually write it but my experiences in boxing inspired me and gave me the material to write about.”

5) What does your essay mean to you?

“It means that I have a voice and I was listened to. It’s my personal story that I hoped inspired others to be fearless and break the barriers in their own lives, whatever they may be.”

6) How do you hope your essay will impact the world/ society?

“I hope it proves that when you speak, people are willing to listen.  I also hope that it shows other girls that they should not fear to do what makes them happy and proves that they don’t have to worry about negative comments or opinions because they’ll know that they are strong enough to defend themselves.”

7) What was the UN Summit about?

“It was the International Day of the Girl celebrating the lives and perspectives of girls and discussing issues important to them: education, child marriage, domestic violence, overcoming a barrier, finding individuality and importance in society.”

8) How did you feel about making your speech?

“The presentation went really well and I wasn’t as nervous because I knew that they selected my story for a reason and if it wasn’t what they were looking for/wanted to show then I wouldn’t have been selected.”

9) What was your speech overall about?

“It was a direct recitation of my paper.”

10) What advice would you give to other students who wish to participate in the next competition?

“In this competition specifically talk to me and I’ll see if other opportunities come up.  For competitions like this in general, just do it. If you have something to say then say it and say what you want. You can’t win if you don’t even try and you won’t win if it isn’t your interpretation or experience.”