Michelle Grenier
AP Lang, Period 2
Ms. Raffaele
November 14, 2024
Breaking Through: A Woman’s Journey
One of the first things I do every morning, without question, is have a cup of coffee. This small ritual is one of the few constants in my life, a comforting thread that ties together the chaos of the day ahead. As I settled into my chair, preparing for a Zoom interview with Neelu Mohaghegh, I felt a similar sense of grounding. The energy of Fuel America, the cafe she founded in Worcester, MA, seemed to radiate through the screen. Although we were separated by distance, her passion and authenticity were palpable—like a warm, invisible presence in the room.
We began by asking her about her life before Fuel America. She reflected on her time as a Bancroft student, where she took on leadership roles as class president and volleyball captain. Working in a coffee shop ignited her interest in the café environment, and with her natural work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset, it was clear that success was her destiny. Her story felt like a beacon of possibility—a bright light guiding me through my own aspirations. As someone who dreams of entering the business world, I saw in her journey both hope and validation. I didn’t know what to expect when we were waiting for her to arrive in the waiting room of our Zoom.
Gender quickly became a central theme of our conversation. Her struggles resonated with me deeply, reflecting the harsh realities many women, including myself, face in a world where sexism is still prevalent. Throughout her time in the music industry, she battled against gender inequality, and this adversity shaped her into a woman of unshakable resilience. From snarky side comments like “that’s too heavy for her” or “be more lady-like” to more overt dismissals, these are the everyday remarks many women, including myself, have to endure. I saw so much of myself in her story. As a young woman, I’ve often encountered the subtle and not-so-subtle forms of sexism that permeate our society, and her experiences gave me comfort and reassurance that, despite the obstacles, women will always rise. Looking toward my future, Nellu has become a muse for me—her ability to advocate for herself in a male-dominated world is truly inspiring. I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship, and seeing how she persevered in the face of adversity has illuminated my path forward. Nellus positivity brightened the conversation like a candle, while the invisible weight of misogyny in the Middle East remained a shadow, casting a dark pall over women’s lives. For many women in that region, the light at the end of the tunnel is a dream they’ve never even been allowed to envision. Women aren’t even free to leave the house without a man or voice their own opinions. This is a sad truth I’m ashamed to admit—after centuries of women fighting for their rights, whenever society takes a step forward, men find a way to push us five steps back. Women are a beacon of strength and power that men globally try to conceal. The fight is not over, just delayed. Women will never back down when adversity strikes; we are more than just pretty faces and sexualized ideals.
When Neelu spoke about the comments she endured at business school, the warmth in her expression faltered, and her posture sagged. She described her experience in a male-dominated finance class at Boston University, where some of her male classmates believed they were inherently superior to women. Walking into the classroom, she felt like an abstract painting placed in a gallery of modern art—out of place and scrutinized at every turn. I could almost feel the weight of her isolation—the silent judgments that followed her every step, as if the room itself was a silent jury. Corrupt male ideologies followed her into the business world, where men questioned her age and authority, stepping on her toes like unwelcome intruders. “There will be people that will step on your toes,” she said, “but you have to keep moving.” These attitudes reflect a broader cultural mindset that often diminishes women’s capabilities—a mindset that persists in many corners of the world. Yet, Neelu stood firm, drawing strength from her unyielding desire to rewrite the narrative for women in business. Her face, shifting from joy to frustration to determination, became a canvas that painted a story of perseverance, not just for herself, but for women everywhere. Her fight against sexism was not just personal; it was part of a larger movement, a call for equality that echoes across every industry. Ever since I was a little girl, I was often warned to beware of “scary” men. I was told to “be nice” when boys teased me, that “he’s only making fun of you because he likes you.” Instead of nurturing confidence, society conditioned me to seek male approval, to see my worth through the lens of their judgment. These messages, subtly woven into our upbringing, created a culture where we, as young women, were taught to shrink. Society tells us to make ourselves small, while men are encouraged to take up space.
We must redefine what it means to be strong. Strength is not about fitting into someone else’s mold but about standing tall in our own. Young women should feel empowered to know their value and their voice. This empowerment begins with open conversations about self-respect and boundaries, rather than perpetuating fear and uncertainty. Instead of warning girls about potential dangers, we should be equipping them with the tools to navigate the world with confidence. We need to help them recognize disrespect when it rears its ugly head and give them the courage to stand firm against it. With positive role models and a culture that values support over criticism, we can raise women who know their worth and will not bend to the pressures of a society that tries to keep them in the shadows.
This message ties back to the broader struggle for gender equality, much like the struggles faced by women in business today. Just as Neelu Mohaghegh has navigated the treacherous waters of a male-dominated industry, so too must young girls learn to advocate for themselves in every sphere of life. By empowering the next generation, we can create a world where gender equality is not merely a lofty ideal but a lived reality. Every individual deserves to flourish in an environment where their potential is not limited by outdated norms.
