Gretchen Carlson

We all remember growing up with mean girls, right? ”

Let's teach our girls and boys how to show the same respect to their colleagues in the workplace they show their moms and sisters at home. ”

I wasn't prepared for the environment I encountered trying to break into television news. In the world of music, where I spent my formative years, we were judged solely on our talent, and gender wasn't a factor. ”

I've been for women's empowerment my entire life. ”

I might even pursue a career in politics. If I do, I will have had great practice dealing with the avalanche of daily criticism from working at Fox News and being a former Miss America. I'm ready for anything! ”

Half of the equation is men, and right now, unfortunately, men are running the majority of corporations, so we have to make sure that if that is the case, that they are respectful and honor women for their true accomplishments. ”

I always wanted to have a really successful career, but I always wanted to be a mom, too. ”

Even though we have laws against it and HR departments to handle it, a woman - especially if she is young and just starting out - can never be sure that reporting harassment won't hurt her career. ”

I have strived to empower women and girls throughout my entire career. ”

Nothing was ever handed to me. My hope is that when people read my story, it will inspire them to reach for their goals and not give up. The real story is this: if I can do it, you can, too. ”