REAL Girl Emma Tormey

"to the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Age: 22  

Hometown: I live in Perth, grew up in Geraldton (about 500kms north  of Perth)

I am... 

A Law/Politics student at the University of Western Australia. I grew up in Geraldton, moved to Perth for University and I am going into my 4th year of study.

This year I am planning to go on exchange to Europe for twelve months, an exciting new adventure! For those of you who are considering going to University, I would thoroughly reccommend the Uni experience- but it is what you make it, so don't be afraid to get involved!

 
If I was invited to a fancy dress party I would go as...

I love the elegance and sophistication of the icons of the 1920's and 30's - so I would probably go as a flapper.  Those women knew how to work it!

Beauty is...

Passion and confidence. EVERY woman has inner and outer beauty and there is no standard formula when it comes to beauty - find out what makes you glow and show that to others!

I admire...

People who are independent and seek out what they want  in life!

There is nothing more inspirational than someone who is driven and makes their dreams a reality, no matter how many hurdles they encounter along the way.

I work with a committee called Young UN Women (Perth Chapter)     and I admire the women who sit on the committee, they are dynamic, well travelled, professionals who are constantly working to change certain attitudes in our community and improve the lives of women around the globe, focusing on the Asia Pacific region! To learn more about UN Women visit UN Women.

It makes me angry...

When people are judged for being different.

The rules of the dancefloor translate into everyday life: NEVER put anyone down because they are moving to their own beat! Learn to have an open mind and you will soar, and may learn a thing or two along the way.

The change I wish to be in the world is...

There are so many changes I want to see in my lifetime, whether they be on a local or global stage!

I belive there has to be a change in attitudes around the value of women; whether it be their work, their position in society and what they can contribute.

In a hyper-globalised world, it is important to understand that poverty is a gendered issue and changing attitudes around domestic violence and providing health care, education and work opportunities for women, will improve the quality of life for entire communities.

Perhaps the best way to start changing attitudes around the value of womanhood, is to be a strong female leader and, in turn, encourage other women and men around you to also step up and advocate for this change.  If you are interested in finding out more on this issue, I would recommend reading "Half the Sky", by S. WuDunn and N Kristoff.

I would recommend checking out...

I live by the adage "to the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world." This quote encapsulates the meaning of leadership, and if we are going to be the change we wish to see in the world, then we have to take the lead.

A friend introduced me to this short clip on the meaning of leadership- take a couple of minutes to watch..

Thanks to Emma Tormey, collated by Erin Young.

Sunday 18th Feb, 2012.