Challenging the Status Quo

The first time I heard the word status quo, I was so intrigued because it was not a typical english word. I found that it was a Latin word which meant "the condition or state of affairs that currently exists". Simply put "the state in which". So now I would start to understand the status quo. As a kid I learnt that it is not the status quo for girls to play with catapults or cars, climb trees or walls without being labeled tom boy or some other title.

My first challenge got me the title tomboy. So I readjusted my personality. I started to read. I filled my head with all sorts of information. I even read the encyclopedia for fun. I used to collect prizes at speech and prize giving day. Next title a nerd. So I had challenged the next status quo. Back in my day girls were not expected to take education seriously. You were lucky to even go to school and when you did you were not expected to be the Einstein in the class. I readjusted again but this time in a different fashion. I would start to act like how it was expected of me, but there was this passion in me and I just could not accept the status quo.

So I realized that I am different. I did not have to be what society had set out for my gender. The sky was truly my limit. I could be anything I wanted to be. My next challenge was when I feel in love with the computer. I would enter a male dominated world and try and tiptoe around the huge male ego. I did that and realized that the men thought I was weak and incapable. So I decided to challenge the status quo and prove that I was equal to my male counterparts. Then I realized there was no need to compete or prove myself but find the right group where I was embraced as a coequal and a team player.

My next challenge was to lead in this environment where I was outnumbered. That challenge was very difficult .But I led by example and treated every individual with respect. As a leader I am only as strong as the weakest link. So I lead with integrity. My Girlfriend would always ask why you must challenge the status quo, why rock the boat. The answer I give is why not. Great leaders challenge the status quo and effect change that lives on after them.

We have our whole lives to be ordinary, so if you can just for a moment try to be extraordinary. Challenge the status quo!