For Women’s History Month last month, four Minnesota State University – Mankato reflected on their identities, their experiences, and how they see the world.
Arnavee
“I come from a family of strong independent, self-made women, which was extremely opposite of what a stereotypical Desi family looks like. I have always been inspired from the women in my family specially my mother, the lady who taught me to never give up in life. I grew up listening to the stories of the brave and strong women, and that was an inspiration to me. I was already told about how I might face sexism at times, and I did. To overcome situations like these, I will forever be thankful to my family for not being narrow minded, for teaching me how to break those stereotypes, and make sure my voice has been heard. After coming to the United States and identifying myself as a women of color, I believe we have seen a lot of progress over time. At the same time, I feel there’s a long way to go. In Minnesota State University, Mankato I have met a lot of strong powerful women who have inspired me and helped me prosper like they have. This has been a push factor that started a “fire in my heart” and since then I have been dedicated to women’s empowerment. I am currently a Junior, and over the past three years I feel like being a woman has been one of the crucial factors in shaping me to who I am as a human being. Like they say “a diamond is a chunk of coal that’s made well under pressure.” I have had my struggles; I have had my highs and lows; through all of that I still have been able to achieve my goals. During my time at Minnesota State University I have also found a wonderful organization “Students United” and this was the turning point in my life where I was able to find a strong powerful woman who I have the honor of calling my mentor. As this is for the Women’s History Month, I would encourage all the women out there, to “dream dreams” and work towards achieving them. Please do not let them shatter. There is a long way to go!
“Some Famous Quote Inserted Here – Your Name” Since, all the best conclusions are a quote from famous personalities, let’s hope (one day) it you!”
Lauren
“I think the most important characteristic of an influential woman on campus is having the ability to look inward and identify personal traits that contribute to both personal and professional success. These traits could be simple things, like showing respect to peers even if they don’t necessarily respect you or showing kindness to a stranger when you’re having a bad day. I say this because the people who generate a warm, positive energy are those I feel most comfortable around on campus. As a teacher and student, I aspire to create that same energy for those who surround me. Further, as a woman on campus, I think it’s important to be a “do-er.” The most noteworthy way that students can break down barriers is by serving as student leaders, even if not appointed as such. What I mean is: if you see a problem, identify a solution. If you want a change, figure out what needs to be done to establish that change. Do what you need to do to make campus a better, more friendly, and more welcoming place. Lead your peers with passion. Create a good space for those who will come after you. These virtues are what guide me through my journey in higher education.”
Reauna
“Being a woman and student is an extraordinary but challenging adventure. Every day we overcome being overlooked and misunderstood. Our movements, such as the #MeToo movement are sometimes weaponized against us but we still fight hard for our truth to be heard. Women across the world have worked hard to become accepting of each other’s strengths and weaknesses as we hope others will do. Being a woman while also being involved with secondary education is a chance for women to begin navigating what our own wants and passions are while exploring what we want our futures to be.”
Katelynn
“To me, being a woman is such a powerful thing. I mean, Beyoncé did say that girls run the world. Being a woman is vastly different for everyone who identifies as a woman. There is so much diversity and uniqueness in the word woman and I think that’s one of the beautiful things that makes me proud to be a woman. For me, being a woman looks like my mom. She’s exceptionally caring, hardworking, selfless, and shows me love deeper than I’ve ever known. Being a woman looks like my sister, who’s a medical doctor and one of the most loving and determined people I know. Being a woman looks like all my friends who identify as women. All the wonderful, supportive, motivational, and laughter-filled people who put a smile on my face and give me a shoulder to cry on. And last, but not least, being a woman looks like me- a girl who’s working to understand myself and the world I live in.
I am a woman who is headstrong, loving, determined, and deeply caring. And, as such, I look to other powerful woman for inspiration. One woman who has exuded the image of a powerful woman throughout her life is Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou was a powerful woman I look up to. As a civil rights activist, author, poet, and overall a Black woman who lived through both segregation and Jim Crow-era America, she hadn’t lived an easy life. One thing that really has inspired me about Ms. Angelou is how she dealt with all the trauma she faced as a child. She had a tough upbringing in facing discrimination, sexual assault, and several other obstacles. Yet, with all of this, she was able to grow through it all and become a phenomenal woman. She is a great inspiration and set an example with her passion. She had a great passion for social change, and you can see it in her writings and in her poems. She had taken her life experiences and shaped them into poetic tributes that have touched the hearts of many and that’s why she’s an inspiration to me. The way that Maya Angelou overcame her life situations and went on to find her own voice in the world, reminds me that I am truly capable of anything I set my mind to. I aspire and continue to work to be better than I was the day before and to find my voice in the same way that Maya Angelou did.”