In her essay "Bad Feminist," Roxane Gay reflects on the unexpected challenges that young people face, regardless of their background or privileges. She emphasizes that life often thrusts individuals into situations that they are ill-equipped to handle, which can alter their identities and experiences in significant ways.

Gay uses the metaphor of becoming "the girl in the woods" to illustrate a transformative experience where one's original identity is overshadowed by circumstances. This highlights the vulnerability and complexities of life that can affect even those who seem to have everything, underscoring a broader theme of resilience amid hardship.