What's in a (S)hero

Unlike many of the other applicants who have shared their brave stories through this website, the circumstances of my upbringing have made me extremely safe and fortunate. I grew up in the United States, where I did not have to worry about being barred from school or vocational opportunities because of my gender. I never had to fear for my life because I was a woman. However, I would not say that I live in a country of complete equality, far from it. Many of the other women on this website have specified that they do not live in a society free from discrimination, but hope to make it so. I stand by your resolution. Unfortunately, we have a long fight ahead of us. Making a country equal for women isn’t just about changing laws; it’s about changing deeply ingrained cultural practices. But just as we can change laws, we can change culture and we can change ATTITUDE.
And now for the introduction of my Shero. I was guided into the world of feminist study by my professor of early modern English. She was tirelessly enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable about Shakespeare and always encouraged students to speak up in class. However, she also urged us to see how the social and personal issues in Shakespeare’s plays are alive and well in the world today. Though I love the Bard and deriving potentially progressive meanings from his works, my feminist papers on him have brought me to my true passion. I credit this Professor with helping me find my life’s purpose: to fight for equality for the women of this world. It was her fire for learning that sparked the same light within me. She encouraged me to tackle gender issues in Shakespeare and beyond. When I told her of my dream to become a journalist and share truth with the world, she smiled and said, “I thought you might get involved something like that. And I can’t wait to see what you make of it.”
My Shero is the epitome of a strong, intelligent and fearless woman. I want to learn from the love she puts into teaching, and apply it to my own goals. I am convinced that if every woman on Earth had a mentor like her, we could lift the world with our strength.