Hello everyone! It’s the final day of Women’s History Month and for this final Part 3 I decided that instead of profiling more women, I would attempt to answer the following question: What is a trailblazer? (If you would like to check out my WHM profiles, view Part 1 and Part 2). 

Google defines trailblazer as a “pioneer, an innovator.” While I agree with this definition, I also think there’s much more to it. Sure, a trailblazer is one who walks a new path (one who “blazes” new trails…). But this could encompass many things, such as being a good role model, pursuing a unique goal, overcoming a challenge, or just being the first in our family or community to accomplish something – providing inspiration to those around us. I think that everyone has the capacity to be a trailblazer; we don’t necessarily have to accomplish something “big” or receive lots of recognition to be considered one. 

Really, a trailblazer is anyone who has an original, interesting idea or vision and does their best to pursue it. Katherine Johnson wanted to pursue the highest possible math courses and make a difference at NASA; so she tried again until this came into fruition. Fe del Mundo wanted to help children, so she persevered in establishing a children’s hospital and bringing healthcare to rural areas. Oprah Winfrey wanted to storytell and host a talk show, so she honed her skill over the years and carved a path in that industry. And Malinda Lo wanted more representation in literature, so she told a story that no one has told yet. 

Thus, being a trailblazer means not conforming, and exhibiting resilience and self-reliance to the highest degree. It’s a process that spans a lifetime, a journey that has ups and downs. 

And that’s why Women’s History Month and “history months” in general are so important: it highlights these figures so that more gain the confidence and spark of inspiration to become a trailblazer in their lives, too. 

P.S. – Oh, and a quick note on the portrait: I decided to do a painting of Katherine Johnson. Mainly because I look up to her, but also because in seventh grade, I had to do a research project on Johnson and did a colored pencil portrait of her, so I wanted to give another go at it… four years later. Unfortunately, I don’t have the seventh grade portrait 🙁