I've always had a soft spot for stories about strong women.

Growing up, I was drawn to characters who were brave, compassionate, determined, and willing to stand up for what they believed in, even when the world around them doubted them. Whether they were princesses, superheroes, journalists, teachers, or everyday women facing extraordinary circumstances, those stories stayed with me because they reminded me that strength comes in many forms.

That's one of the reasons I'm excited about Supergirl. Lately, I've seen plenty of criticism surrounding the film. That's nothing new. These days, it sometimes feels as though a movie can barely release a trailer before people decide whether they love it or hate it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course, but as I look at what Supergirl represents, I find myself focusing on something much more important than online debates and comment sections.

I see a female hero taking center stage. I see a character who isn't defined by someone else's story. I see a young woman who is allowed to be powerful, complicated, vulnerable, and imperfect all at the same time. And honestly, I think that's worth celebrating.

As a teacher, I spend my days working with young people who are trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. As a writer, I've spent years exploring the power of stories and the ways they help us understand ourselves. I've seen firsthand how much representation matters.

When people see themselves reflected in stories, they feel seen. They feel valued. They feel like they belong. While not every viewer will personally identify with Supergirl, there is something meaningful about seeing more women positioned as the heroes of their own stories.

What excites me most about this version of Supergirl is that she appears to have her own voice, her own challenges, and her own journey. Inspired by the acclaimed Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow storyline, this isn't simply a character standing in Superman's shadow. This is Kara Zor-El stepping forward and claiming her own place in the universe. She is allowed to carry her own experiences, strengths, and struggles, and that makes her feel far more relatable and human.

Female-led stories continue to matter because they expand the kinds of heroes audiences get to see. Young girls deserve characters who remind them that courage doesn't require perfection. They deserve stories that show women leading, persevering, making mistakes, learning lessons, and continuing to move forward. The truth is that many of us, regardless of age, still need those reminders.

Life rarely goes exactly as planned, and there is something comforting about watching characters navigate challenges and emerge stronger because of them.

I also think there is something bigger happening here. Stories have always had the power to shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. They introduce us to new perspectives, encourage empathy, and remind us that there is room for many different voices and experiences. When audiences support female-led stories, they are supporting the idea that more people deserve the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Will everyone love Supergirl? Probably not. No story ever connects with everyone, and that's perfectly okay. But I think there is something meaningful about supporting stories that give women space to be heroes. Not side characters. Not supporting

players. Heroes. In a world that can often feel divided, I would much rather celebrate the opportunities that stories create than spend my time looking for reasons to tear them down.

As someone who has spent a lifetime finding inspiration in books, movies, television shows, and the characters who inhabit them, I am always happy to see another strong woman take flight.

If a young girl walks out of that theater feeling a little braver, a little more confident, or a little more willing to believe in herself, then I would say Supergirl has already accomplished something wonderful.

And honestly, that's a victory worth celebrating.