Hear from women at Northwood High School about strong female figures who have influenced them. It is time to bring their hard work under the spotlight.
Many women, when asked who influenced them, responded with their mother.
“I would have to say my mother. She was just a superhero in my eyes,” guidance counselor Telisa Hunter said.
“I watched [my mother] put education and her career on hold for family,” assistant principal Wynne Youngblood said.
“[My mother] showed me what it’s like to be a woman,” senior Adrianna Lindsay said.
Mothers make the first impact on a young woman.
“My mother is amazing at not only the values she taught us, but also how she led by example,” English teacher Jill Jackl said.
The female influence does not stop in the home, however. It stretches far beyond.
“I was a women’s and gender studies major in college and somebody that I really admire is one of my professors,” librarian Kelsie Adloo said. “Her name was Dr. Karen Booth, and I just admired her commitment to equal rights and justice and she taught me a lot about how to move through the world as a better person,”
“My aunt worked very hard to be a [Physicians Assistant], and it showed me that if you work for something you can get it,” junior Alexis Stumpf said.
“My dance teacher Ms. Jenna is just such a genuine person… She is so kind to everyone… She just had a baby but she is still at every single competition to support her kids,” senior Lillian Collins said.
Strong women influence other strong women. The generations before are helping to shape the future. Every mother, teacher and historical figure influences women’s history. So how does each individual leave their own mark?
“One of the ways I impact women’s history is through my daughters. I hope that they also see the role that women can play in the world and that they also continue to see strong women in their lives,” says Youngblood.
“I hope that I can leave an imprint on a young lady to go out into the world confidently, to aspire to be more than she is told she can ever be so that she feels she can leave an impact herself.” guidance counselor Montgomery Hall said.
“I hope to help people to challenge gender stereotypes,” Adloo said.
“I hope to be a person that’s kind and not vindictive to others and other women,” senior Lily Whitehead said.
“I was influenced by other women to do counseling in school so I’m hoping maybe I have that same influence. I hope people remember and say ‘yeah they were a good person,’” says Hunter.
In the wise words of Beyonce, “Who run the world? Girls.” It is important that society remembers the powers that women possess. For too long women’s accomplishments, intelligence, and importance has been undermined and pushed aside.
“As women we are really powerful, and I am lucky everyday that I am a woman and that I get to make an impact on other women as well,” said Hall.
When all is said and done women are human. They are people and should not only be defined by their gender, but also remembered for their values and impact on those around them.
“I prefer to be known as a good person over a good woman. It’s important that I’m a woman, but first and foremost a person,” said Jackl.
