By Alice K. Nyeswah
Every Girl Has a Little Miss Inside Her
My fellow Liberian girl, have you ever looked at another girl and wished you could be like her? Maybe she is the girl everybody admires in school, the one with the fine uniform, neat hairstyle, good grades, or confidence to speak in front of the class. Meanwhile, you may be sitting in the back, wondering if you are good enough. Let me tell you something, my sister: every girl should be Little Miss! This does not mean every girl must enter a beauty pageant or wear a crown. It means every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her value, build her confidence, and become the best version of herself.
1. Little Miss Confidence: Believe in Yourself
My sister, whether you attend school in Monrovia, Paynesville, Buchanan, Ganta, or a small community somewhere in Liberia, you deserve to walk into your classroom with confidence. Do not allow anybody to make you feel small because you cannot afford the latest hairstyle, your parents cannot always provide everything you need, or you are not the most popular girl in school. You should never be ashamed of where you come from. Stand tall, participate in class, ask your teacher questions, and remember that your background does not determine your future.
Confidence is the foundation that helps you recognize your worth, but knowing your worth is only the beginning. Once you believe in yourself, you can begin to ask an important question: What do you want to do with the life and abilities you have been given?
2. Little Miss Purpose: Your Dreams Matter
Sometimes, as high school girls, we face pressure from friends, relationships, social media, and even family expectations. One friend may be talking about her boyfriend, another may be showing off new clothes, while you are thinking about how to pass your WASSCE and make your parents proud. My sister, it is okay to have dreams that are different from those of your friends. You can dream of becoming a journalist, nurse, lawyer, entrepreneur, or teacher. Even if you have to walk a long distance to school, struggle with transportation money, or study when electricity is unavailable, do not give up on yourself. Your present challenges do not have to become your permanent story.
Yet purpose is not measured only by the dreams you carry or the goals you achieve. The way you pursue those dreams also matters. As you grow in confidence and work toward your purpose, remember that true success includes the character you show and the way you treat the people around you.
3. Little Miss Character: Beauty Begins With How You Treat Others
Being Little Miss is not only about looking beautiful, wearing a clean uniform, or having the latest phone. It is also about kindness, respect, honesty, and the way you treat other girls. In our schools, we sometimes see girls laughing at one another because of body shape, skin color, family background, academic performance, or the way somebody speaks. My sister, let us stop making other girls feel less important just to feel important ourselves. Instead of joining the girls who bully a classmate, be the girl who encourages her. Instead of spreading somebody’s secret during break time, be trustworthy. A real Little Miss understands that another girl’s success does not take anything away from her own.
When confidence, purpose, and character come together, they create a kind of beauty that no crown or expensive outfit can provide. They shape the person you are becoming and prepare you to face life with strength, compassion, and courage. That is why being Little Miss is not a title reserved for a few girls; it is an opportunity available to every girl.
4. Little Miss Leadership
You do not have to wait until you become a woman, graduate from university, or get a big job before you can become a leader. You can begin right in your classroom, at home, in your church, or in your community. Help a classmate who is struggling with a lesson, participate in school activities, volunteer when opportunities arise, and treat people fairly. Leadership is not just about having a title; it is about taking responsibility and making a positive difference. Liberia needs young women who can think critically, speak confidently, solve problems, and inspire others. Little Miss, start leading with your actions today, and you may inspire a generation tomorrow!
5. Little Miss Financial Wisdom
My sister, you do not need to have plenty of money to start building a better future. Some of us attend school knowing that our parents or guardians are struggling to provide our daily needs. Instead of feeling ashamed of your situation, use it as a reason to learn and grow. Learn how to save even a small amount when you can, avoid unnecessary spending, and explore useful skills that can help you become financially responsible in the future. You can learn about business, digital skills, fashion, baking, soap making, or other vocational opportunities while continuing your education. Remember, there is dignity in starting small. Little Miss, learn to manage what you have while preparing for what you hope to achieve!
My Sister, Your Crown Starts With You
My fellow Liberian girl, you do not need a pageant stage, expensive clothes, or the approval of your classmates to be Little Miss. Your crown begins with how you see yourself, the choices you make, the respect you give others, and the courage you show when life becomes difficult. Whether you are the quiet girl in the back of the classroom, the class captain, the girl struggling with her grades, or the girl who has big dreams but does not know where to start, there is room for you to grow and shine. Celebrate another girl when she succeeds instead of comparing yourself to her.
