Girls Being Themselves

Joy loves swimming and art. When she grows up she wants to be a movie director and mom. Written by her friend. With photos that show her doing what she loves, not posing.

Udeeta is an honest, straightforward, and kind-hearted girl with a spiritual bent of mind. Written by her mom. With photos that show her doing what she loves, not posing.

Clara is a kind and generous person, always thinking of others, whose enthusiasm and joy for life is shared with all who know her. Written by her aunt. With photos that show her doing what she loves, not posing.

Kit is constantly exploring and documenting the world. Learn more about her in this short profile that tells how she is herself. Written by her mom. With photos that show her doing what she loves, not posing.

Angelica is an African American artist who is also an avid reader. Learn more about her in this short profile written by Angelica herself. With photos of her artwork.

Peyton knows her mind, and has since she was very young. Learn more about her in this short profile that tells how she is herself. Written by her aunt. With photos that show her doing what she loves, not posing.

Elin looks beyond herself and sees the world with kindness and compassion. Learn more about her in this short profile that tells how she is herself. Written by her sister. With photos that show her doing what she loves, not posing.

Jaime would do anything to support her friends and family — or a wayward snake or hummingbird. Learn more about her in this short profile that tells how she is herself. Written by her mom. With photos that show her doing what she loves, not posing.

Ariana tells how wanting to look like her older sister pulled her away from recognizing her own beauty. Recognizing and celebrating our own unique beauty is what this special feature section is all about.

It's powerfully supportive when we honor girls being themselves. And it's deeply harmful when they are bombarded with a zillion messages about how to change themselves to suit others. NMG shows girls as themselves all the time.