Elina
“A woman’s beauty is not in her clothes, shape or hair. It is in the sparkle of her eyes.”
Elina’s journey of self-discovery has taken her out to sea, where she is fearlessly rising to any challenge that may present itself. Working in a male-dominated sphere, her fight to prove she belongs has made her confident and courageous, and has helped her develop thick skin. Although this field of work has not been easy, she is proving that women do not have to adhere to society’s stereotypes and can sculpt their own path to success. Meet Elina. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
E: My name is Elina and I am choosing a career. Since the age of 18, I have linked my life with the sea and dispelled the stereotype that this is an exclusively male profession.
Today I can say that I cannot live without the sea. My assertiveness underlines the fact that the potential women are endowed with is fearsome, and therefore their advancement terrifies men. Many professions have been labeled "for men" and it is generally accepted that girls have no place in the sea. A woman must, in spite of everything, live her life as she wants, or she will have to admit that she did not live at all.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
E: During the time I spent at sea, I learned from men - to be hardworking and purposeful - thank you. I have acquired quite an important skill - not to hear rudeness and the statement that I have no place among men - now I know for sure I am on the right path! Have I had a moment in my life that changed me? - Yes! It is coming through right now. Right now I am carving myself out of velvet and steel.
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
E: If I had the opportunity to meet myself on the day when I decided to become independent, I would say “You are on the right path, but you will not have it easy”; on the day when I decided to become a girl of the sea - "you will succeed, the main thing is not to give up."
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
E: I want to give my admiration to all women who strive to become the best version of themselves, who do not care about stereotypes about femininity.
Choose your own path and set your own goals.
A woman's beauty is not in her clothes, shape or hair. It is in the sparkle of her eyes.
