IWD 2012: Honoring women today, and every day

On International Women's Day (March 8), people around the world stop and take a moment to honor the women in their lives, and those around the world. There are so many inspiring women and girls that have crossed my path (and almost 12,000 of them right here on PulseWire!). This International Women's Day, I would like to honor one young woman in particular - my dear friend Abigail Burg.

Abby was a bright and beautiful young woman who cared deeply for others and had an infectious joy and curiosity. From a young age, Abby demonstrated her commitment to helping others with community service and other volunteer work. In college, when I met her, Abby was focusing her studies on psychology, justice, education, culture, and other fields that would give her a deeper understanding of what people are going through and how to help them.

After graduation, ever adventurous Abby left the Northeast, where she'd spent her life, and moved to Texas to teach children in impoverished communities through Americorps. Abby's energy, compassion, and optimism were inspiring, and I can only imagine how many lives, young and old, she touched through her work and her friendships. Though her own life was unexpectedly cut short at the age of 24 this past July, those of us who knew her will do our best to carry out her vision for a better world. In this way, the memory and impact of those who inspire us will live on.

Following the example set by Abby and so many more who have worked so hard to help others, I will try to live and love with all I have, explore the world, and work hard to make it a better place.

Who inspires you?