When I first read about Nellie Bly, I was overwhelmed with admiration. In 1885, while most women were expected to stay quiet and fit into narrow roles, an 18-year-old Elizabeth Cochrane read a sentence that changed her life — “Women are meant for babies and cooking.” Instead of staying silent, she responded boldly under the name that would become legendary: Nellie Bly. She refused to accept society’s limitations and set out to prove that women could do more — much more.

What touched me most was her courage. She didn’t choose the safe path of writing about fashion or parties; instead, she wrote about injustice, poverty, and pain. At just 23, she faked insanity to investigate the horrors of a mental asylum. For 10 days, she lived through cold, abuse, and fear — not for fame, but to make a difference. And she did. Her bravery helped reform mental health care in the U.S., saving countless lives. That kind of strength is something I deeply respect.

Nellie didn’t stop there. She raced around the world in 72 days, challenging the limits of what a woman could do. She wrote from war zones, ran a company, and became an inventor — all at a time when women were told to stay in the background. Every time she was told “you can’t,” she answered with action. Her story made me feel proud, inspired, and empowered. It’s a reminder that the barriers in front of us can be broken with courage and determination.

In a world where many still question what women are “meant” to do, Nellie Bly’s life is a powerful answer. She didn’t wait for permission — she made history. Her legacy inspires me to speak louder, dream bigger, and never let fear decide my path. Because like Nellie, we all have the power to change the world — one fearless step at a time.