When faced with the daunting task of pinning down just one childhood heroine, I was incredibly overwhelmed. I brainstormed with my mother using our combined memories of my childhood to really uncover who had helped inspire and encourage the type of individual I am today. Interestingly, the character I still admire is Evelyn O’Connell from The Mummy film series depicted by beloved actress Rachel Weisz.
It was these films that inspired my decade long ambition to become an Egyptologist, and it took going to college for me to broaden my historical pursuits into obtaining a Bachelor’s in Public History from Appalachian State University. Evie O’Connell taught me that one’s intelligence does not dictate one’s bravery as so much media has portrayed, and that one could spend a lifetime based on one’s love of history and adventure. Her quirky relationship with her brother reminded me of my own relationship with my twin brother, and her loving yet firm maternal nature depicts the kind of mother I hope to be one day.
Without Evie, I do not doubt that it would have taken me infinitely longer to accept my individuality and pursue my dreams in the face of all the forces that told me I could not obtain them. I can only hope that I will provide a similar sense of strength, courage, and fortitude to other girls like she did for me.