Rant Corner with Beverley Martins: Inspiring Under 21’s

Words Beverley Martins

Young editor, Beverley Martins talks what it means to be inspirational and the young minds that she finds inspiring.

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It’s pretty embarrassing writing about 5 ‘under 21’ inspiring women, while being an ‘under 21’ woman myself. I’m not sure if I’m inspiring or not - that would have to be judged by those I have had an effect on. If there's none… that's awkward. Moving on, I don't think I will be able to get up to 5, not because of the lack of these types of women, but because I am trying to actually figure out what successful and inspiring means... to me. 

When doing my research on these women, I found myself googling ‘ rich under 21’ and ‘richest supermodel’. In doing all that, I got bored and asked myself, ‘Beverley, what is inspirational to you?’ I still don't have an answer, so let's not get excited. Maybe I'll have an answer by the end of this rant or maybe not. Who cares?

In terms of ‘inspiration’, at the top of my list would be Yara Shahidi, 20-year-old actor, model, director and activist. Shahidi has recently started her own production company with her mother ‘Keri Shahidi’. What a Wow! At the age of 20 she has managed to create a platform for herself and her family. Round of applause to you girl. 

However, as I go into deep thought, I can't help but think, how did she get here? Who pushed her? Who inspired her? Well, remember her mum Keri? Yes, I call her ‘ the mother of inspiration’ why? This is a mother that has taught her daughter discipline, and has really guided her through the decision she's made up to this point of her career. She is not the only powerful mother I commend. I also take my hat off to the chief ‘momager’ Kris Jenner, who has single handedly fought and built something for her children. My mum hardly answers my call so go mummy. No offence mum if you’re reading this. So I don’t say this to highlight motherhood, but sometimes our success stories are not the things we have achieved, but the little seeds of wisdom and nurturing, the experiences that have been poured into us - Yara is an example of that. Great leadership. Leadership that creates inspiration.

Who's next? 17-year-old activist Greta Thuberg, a Swedish environmental activist who is internationally known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action against climate change. What can I say about this one? The embodiment of boldness, stable character, strength and leadership. When one is able to speak boldly about what they believe in, and step on the necks of anyone one who dares to ignore, that person is not just inspirational, they themselves have become ‘inspirational’. This young lady has taught me that your voice is not how loud you speak, or how eloquently you can put words together, your voice is the power given to individuals to effect change. 

Camryn Garret, Author of ‘Full Disclosure’ I think she's my favourite because she is a writer like me, and I just love and adore those that can use their writing and creativity as a weapon of change.

I haven't got up to 5. But let me cheat and say that within these girls, are many more. Including you (if you’re not 21 or under, don't worry. You’re still young and fabulous). I hope you've noticed the repetition on the word ‘change; I believe that there is a change in some that comes with inspiration. It's more than wanting to copy an outfit or liking a quote. Inspiration is change that is brought to the world by our voice, whether change in politics, climate change, the criminal system, entertainment or whatever. If there is inspiration, there is change. 

As I said before, inspiration is not our achievements, but it is the impact we have on others, whether it's through our voices, writings, songs, business, art, or whatever you do. Success and inspiration can never be something that is easy to explain, inspiration calls onto inspiration. It is born, raised then sent out into the world to infect. Inspiration is hope, it is hope in a person for a better tomorrow. Inspiration is the glue that holds this world together. How? By using vessels of change in each generation (past, present and the future) to speak and one step at a time create a better world. And these are my examples of what we call ‘inspirational’.