Patrick Verona is dreamy. Anyone who has ever seen 10 Things I Hate About You will attest to that fact. To the men reading this, don’t lie to yourself, you know it too. But he’s more than a pretty face. And in the hundreds of times I’ve watched that cinematic masterpiece play out on my old VHS player, there’s always been one line he says in that perfect Australian accent that has stood out to me:
“Don’t let anyone, ever, make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.”
He says this to a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, encouraging him to stand up for himself and complete the cycle of the romantic comedy in which we all know he will get the girl. But even out of context, this has always been a powerful quote to me.
Take a step back from the silver screen with me for a moment. Here at Schifino Lee we work in an office made up predominately of women. Strong, ambitious women who every day come in to the office with the intent of meeting their own personal goals, while bettering the agency and advancing their knowledge of the industry.
And we do not subscribe to the age-old trope toted out in so many other movies that in order to succeed in your career you have to put other women down. Because we are well aware of the fact that our accomplishments and successes are not mutually exclusive. In fact, one of my favorite things about working with these intelligent women is that we are here to encourage and uplift each other on a daily basis.
Having a bad day? Well, I thought your design concept was refreshing and original.
Looking to further your career? Come shadow me for a few hours, I’ll teach you more about what I do.
Trying to expand your industry knowledge? I have a book you would love.
It’s these kinds of daily interactions that allow us to build a community of empowerment and positivity that keeps us women on each others side. We push each other to the next level of our careers, and keep track of each other’s goals so we can help in any way we can.
To the women in the office: you’re more than a pretty face. Don’t let anyone, ever, make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.
