Ana Maria - Aging Out
Ana María González Paniagua, She/Her
Editorial Team Member
Achieving transcendence in life is hard. It takes a combination of being there at the right time with the right people around. But most importantly, it takes for the person in question to be under the right circumstances, where they are open to having change come to them. This Girls Story transcended my life.
With this blog, I part ways from a wonderful chapter in my life which has certainly given me so much. This Girls Story was a sudden opportunity that came to me in early 2023. I had no expectations or ideas of what I had signed up for, but I did know that there was something magical about it since my first interview with our Founding Executive Director, Beth. She was so excited to meet me, to hear my story and give me a place- not only as an editor, but as a part of this wonderful magazine family. So naturally, I jumped at the opportunity. What I did not know is that that moment of bravery where I decided to jump would give me so much.
I was able to learn the meticulous bits of what an editing team was—creating workshops, building a team no matter the distance, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and being open to the incredible ideas so many girls out there have. But beyond that, I got the chance to become prouder of what I am capable of. In truth I tend to diminish myself and my capabilities. I always fear not being able to succeed, I fear failure, like many might. Nevertheless, the positive affirmations that each member gave me and the environment of psychological safety This Girls Story has built, constructed a path for me to grow in confidence. That is, I still struggle to believe in myself, but looking back at all my memories from the magazine, I am reminded that I can. Because I have, and because other incredible girls and women have shown me we can.
I don’t think I can explain very well what This Girls Story has meant for me, but I’ll try. It has meant that I get to do what I love, while I am in awe of other strong young women, honored to work alongside them. It has meant that I get to see I can always improve, but that I am also good enough. It has meant I get to see so much talent and learn from it. It has meant that taking a jump pays off.
In other words, I am grateful that I was there at the right time, with the right people, under the right circumstances, open to change. I’d say God knew what he was doing when my school counselor showed me Izel’s blog and This Girls Story for the first time. Yet, as of this month, I am aging out of the magazine. While this is sad, I am so joyful for all I got to do this past year and a half. And I know things happen for a reason, and change comes when we need it.
Before I do however, I want to thank all of the members of This Girls Story. No matter what role you played in the magazine, just know that in my heart, I deeply value every single one of you just the way you are. I am deeply grateful to have crossed paths, and I hope we do so again in the future. Thank you for taking me as I am, for your kind words, for your feedback, for your listening, and most of all for showing me your wonderful hearts. I will always be a text or email away. I love you all!!
Although I don’t know what the future holds, I know that one jump at a time I will be alright.
