Emma Watson: From Child Actress to Renowned Humanitarian

EMMA WATSON’S CAREER JOURNEY

In 2011, Emma Watson shared her tearful goodbyes at the final premiere of the Harry Potter franchise. Just three years later--after five years of enrollment--Emma Watson graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Two months later, in July 2014, she was appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, which started her career in gender equality and women empowerment.

It seems that the renowned actress and activist has done enough to not only show that she can do more than just act, but also capture the attention and admiration of a global audience. However, she has steadily continued to build her resume even after she made her mark in the Hollywood industry and graduated from an Ivy League school. Ever since her appointment to the United Nations, Emma has wholeheartedly devoted her time to humanitarian work, and now works to expand her commitment in causes she feels passionate for.

All in the singular year of 2016, Emma has launched her very own global feminist book club on Goodreads, openly called for the UN to address campus sexual assault policies, met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss gender equality, and visited Malawi to discuss with chiefs the problem of early child marriage.

Now, as if she has not branched out enough, she is tackling environmental causes.

Thanks to the publicity Emma had gotten from her role in the successful 2017 film, Beauty and the Beast, the incredible activist has been able to turn a large audience’s attention to her new project: sustainable fashion. In February, aware that all eyes would be on her, Emma set out to wear outfits only made from eco-friendly designers throughout the movie tour. Titled @the_press_tour, Emma Watson’s second Instagram account is dedicated to these certain pieces of sustainably created clothing.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION

By posting pictures of her sustainable fashion on social media, Emma Watson has brought to people’s attention the importance of producing and purchasing environmentally conscious garments. Few people know that fashion is actually a large contributor to pollution; according to Huffington Post News, the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, ranking right below oil. Harmful pesticides used in the growth of cotton, toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process, and the overuse of natural resources are all factors which damage the environment when clothes are manufactured unsustainably.

EMMA WATSON’S INFLUENCE TODAY

With passionate and powerful activists like Emma Watson, a trend can reach out to tens of thousands of people around the world and push more people to take action. Not surprisingly, Watson has a strong source of credibility to thank for this kind of result. Especially with Watson's experience with acting, modeling, and walking the red carpet in numerous galas and premieres, her actions are watched by countless millenials. In addition, the children who grew up watching the Harry Potter series and falling in love with the nerdy, strong heroine now proudly watch--as adults--Watson make strides in the UN community and feminist movement. From child actress to renowned humanitarian, Emma has, without a doubt, made an impact for people of all ages, and accomplished what very few celebrities have. How many celebrities can say they have earned a college degree even after achieving worldwide fame, launched numerous campaigns in pursuit of their passion, and avidly interacted with leaders around the world to make a difference? Emma Watson is a shining star in our generation, and hopefully will continue to be for years to come, in order to help pave the way to a brighter and safer future.