Ella Wahlestedt: What Girl Power Means To Me!

Girls are treated differently than boys from a very early age. Certain expectations are placed on us, so we grow up worrying what other people think of us.

We get our approval not from ourselves, but look for it in others. We allow other people to tell us how we should look, how we should act, or even what we should want out of life.

Trusting Your Instincts

We, girls, really have to learn to trust our instincts because sometimes that's all we have to guide us. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Make good choices, but above all, trust yourself!

This goes hand in hand with believing in yourself. As an actress, I am constantly faced with rejection, but I have to remember to believe in myself and trust that I have what it takes.

Put Yourself Out There

Powerful girls don't let fear hold them back! When they want something, they take it. It's actually a bit like being an actress because I have to constantly put myself out there and accept that people are going to judge me.

It can also be scary to say something to another person or even an adult if you feel you or someone else is being compromised. I actually did this recently; I confronted my managers and agents about issues that bothered me, even though there was a possibility they could drop me.

So step out of your comfort zone every once in a while and forget about the consequences.

Empower Each Other

If growing up isn't hard enough, I think it's made even more difficult when girls bring each other down. Being petty and jealous doesn't do us any good. Instead, we should learn to support each other.

On a similar note, social media has a huge impact on our lives. It should be used to empower. I even closed down my Facebook page because I was tired of all the bragging to make others feel terrible about themselves. Think about what you are put out there. I love my friends who post silly looking selfies, no matter how goofy they look! The ones who spend hours trying to look perfect… well, who wants that in their life?

Ella Wahlestedt is a teen actress born in Stockholm, Sweden, who stars in the science-fiction Disney film, Earth To Echo! Growing up, Ella was a gymnast and competitive soccer player before setting her sights on performing and theater!