Putting on makeup in the morning, putting on lotion after a shower, painting our nails, shopping for hours, and cute pajamas. These experiences are some of the classic events girls go through. Thanks to the new Barbie movie, many girls all over have started to become more aware of what girlhood is and means. Rocklin High School girls, including sisters and a mom, share their experiences with girlhood.

“Shopping with my friends, all the girly stuff,” said Ashlyn Penny, a junior at Rocklin High School. Being a member of the Rocklin Dance Team is her favorite community to be a part of. “Having common passions and getting ready together and just growing up together are memories I’ll always love,” said Penny, highlighting that the small moments and actions that build each other up are what girlhood is all about. “Lessons that have stuck with me have been not caring what other people think and being yourself,” said Penny. Remembering some lessons her mom taught her to remember throughout her life. “Some of my favorite memories are definitely when me and my sister would go hide from our dad and we would try to be so quiet and just running around together,” said Penny. Girlhood is what shapes us into who we are and how we treat others today. “Look back on some memories you have — whether it’s a one-time conversation, a favor you asked, or a strong connection you hold — and find the positive in it,” said Penny.

“Having a cozy home, lots of food, and lots of friends” is how Mrs. Penny describes girlhood. Now that she’s taken the role of a mother, her girlhood experiences have changed. ”I think when the girls leave the house, those will be the memories I think of, like all the friends being over here.” Now that she has her daughters, she can’t imagine life without them. “Telling the girls to always have integrity and be a trustworthy friend is so important and ultimately letting them find their moral compass and help guide them in making decisions” are some lessons she wants her daughters to remember. Being open and honest with each other helps build their relationship in the best way and creates an environment of trust and comfort, which is exactly what girlhood is surrounded by.

Evan and Ariss, juniors at RHS come as a package. “I think we do have our rough patches but overall we always will love each other,” said Ariss Peterson. Through the ups and downs, Ariss had someone she could count on, “Having a sister made me never feel alone, I always had someone with me.” Evan Peterson agrees and says she felt more comfortable doing things because she had someone there with her. Going to football games, going out with friends, and going on dutch runs are some memories they share. “When you think about it, girls’ experiences are so fun when you look back, like stressing about hair or nails and getting fun food and drinks is so much fun.” Girls share this sense of community that is such a significant part of our lives. “I couldn’t imagine being a boy and not getting to experience stuff with all my friends and the small moments.”