This was a great article talking about all of the things that are pulling on women - work, family, relationships, time for oneself and for others. I do realize that some men also feel this way as well. They feel the pull of "trying to strike balance between family obligations and work related responsibilities." However, I do think it ways heavier on a woman than the man, because we are seen by society as the nurturers. But I am also woman enough to admit that I would not be where I am today without a supportive husband and family. If I "step up", I step up as a group with the support of family. The confidence I feel comes from them as well as the students and teachers I work with. I have attached a video to this blog, please take an opportunity to listen to it, even if you don't like Salt-n-Pepa. It is a great representation of what woman work towards throughout our lives. I ask each of the woman in the class to look at yourself and your support system and make your voices heard. This video was sent to me by my boys and husband after a particularly rough work week away from home. I was feeling guilty because one had been sick during this time and here I was away from home unable to be with my sick child. The next day this video arrived in my inbox, with a great note, that simply said "It Ain't nothing but a She-thing and that is why we love you." So when you are feeling torn between some many things, pull this song out to cheer you up. This was the first thing, I thought about as I read the article.
Melanie
Comments (3)
Melanie, I must agree with you. Women have made a huge impact on my life. Matter of fact, as I reflect on my educational career, there are several women leaders and mentors who made me who I am today. I would like to take this moment to highlight a few of them.
The first lady who has helped to define my character is my mother. She worked in textiles for 37 years, while rearing my siblings and me. Not only that, she also taught me, by example, the attributes of hard work, determination, and commitment.
Another woman who has impacted my life is Gladys Clay, a Developmental Education Instructor at Carson Newman College. From 1991 to 1995, it was 'her voice' that I would often hear, telling me "Johnny, I am so proud of you" or Son,"You can be whatever you want to be."
Even now, there are many more ladies who come to my mind. Mrs. Walters, my 4th grade teacher, taught me both style and class.
Mrs. White, my gorgeous, 12 grade Algebra II Instructor, taught me more than math, she became a friend.
These ladies have played a major role in my development as a leader, professional, and as an educator. I will forever be indebted to these women.
It Ain't nothing but a She-Thing.
Johnny Smith
Posted by Johnny Smith | June 30, 2009 1:35 AM
Posted on June 30, 2009 01:35
Are there ways in which you are pulled or feel stress differently because you are a woman?
Posted by Danielle | June 30, 2009 2:17 PM
Posted on June 30, 2009 14:17
I think women feel stress differently, but I do think that today's man is more involved with the nurturing of the children. So wouldn't it be interesting to find out whether or not a man feels torn when they are unable to be with a sick child or wife because of work.
Posted by Melanie | June 30, 2009 11:14 PM
Posted on June 30, 2009 23:14