Women's History Month 2013: 

Women Making History Every Day

The theme for Women's History Month this year is "Women Making History Everyday." We wanted to engage our students and get them thinking about, not just the well-known historical women who have made a difference in the world, but the everyday women that we know who impact our lives in large and small ways. We asked students to submit written pieces about the women who have made a difference in their lives, families, and communities. 

The response was overwhelming. Over 300 students submitted written pieces honoring the women in their lives. The following pieces were selected by a committee to be displayed during the Women's History Month opening ceremony.

We would like to thank all of the students who submitted written pieces. 

As a student athlete, I am required to attend study hall each week. Megan always helps me. She is the first person that says "hi" to me when I walk in. She puts so much effort into assisting student athletes and takes pride in making sure they get the most out of their education.

~Austin C.

In high school, I had an English teacher who changed my life. She taught and still teaches her students ways to love learning, and she taught me about life. She gives students the means and encouragement to go out and make history of their own.

~Shellee H.

Because of her determination throughout college and her career, she was recognized as one of the University of Memphis' Top 100 Influential Women. As a graduate of the business school, she has pushed me to believe that I can do anything.

~Shelby S.

She was more than an educator, but a motivator, encourager, counselor. There was not one day that could walk in East High School with a sad face or having a bad day because she was there to encourage you to make it and do better.

~Jasmine W.

My anatomy teacher though that discussing safe sex was an important topic and too important to let go. She continued to discuss safe sex with her classes even when the school administration disagreed. She was fired. She was trying to do what was right.

~Alex H.

My high school English teacher made a difference in my life. She encouraged me to attend college. She would always tell me how much potential I had and encouraged me to better myself and my surroundings.

~Charnita H.

When she was diagnosed with MS, they told her she may not be able to walk well or work. My mother didn't let that stop her. She continued to teach school and provide for our family. She has not only touched my life but made a difference in the lives of several students who needed extra care.

~Kayla F.

She overcame poverty, and abuse. Born in the most poverty-stricken county in Mississippi, she overcame the negatives. She earned her GED at the age of 32 and her college degree at 37. She believed in herself and set an example for me that education is the key to economic, spiritual, and emotional stability.

~Crystal B.

She juggled raising her children with attending college and working. She became a well-educated women who is respected in her field of law. She continues to give back to her community.

~Anthony J.

She is a young woman I deeply respect for her dedication as a doula. She recognized the need to challenge the status quo of hospital births and unnecessary medical interventions. She helps women understand their options.

~Elizabeth A.

My grandmother and great aunt were refugees from Burma when the Japanese invaded in WWII. They walked overland into India over a week. They were then active in the Indian Independence movement.

~Sanjeer J.

She always stressed the importance of raising your children and giving them the support they need. I can hear her voice in my head now: "no one is going to treat your kids like you do."

~Venice A.

Mrs. L. was the only teacher that ever challenged me academically. When I was in fifth grade, the staff wanted to have me medicated, but she helped funnel my energies into more constructive arenas.

~M'Sada C.

My grandmother is an inspiration. She has always been a great role model for me. She is the pianist for my church, and has been for over 25 years. Ever since I started playing the flute back in the 6th grade, she has helped me with my music.

~Joseph C.

My wife, a first-generation immigrant, has overcome many personal and professional challenges. She has met them with a sense of dignity, perseverance and passion.

~Clint C.

My mom raised two children on an adjunct professor's pay; we both grew up to finish college, be employed, and go to graduate school.

~Anonymous

My sister fearlessly works to reverse the bad reputation that pit bulls have simply because of their breed. Through her work with shelters and rescue groups, she has helped many find loving homes.

~Hannah G.

Journalist and podcast co-host Allison Kilkenny has spent the last few years traveling the nation, covering stories like Occupy Wall Street and the Chicago Teachers Union strike. She has challenged me to think critically.

~Jason S.

My mother, a chief in the United States Navy, will forever be a part of history as the first woman to receive two "Sailor of the Year" awards.

~Keirston M

My grandmother, a middle-school teacher, buys extra school uniforms and keeps them in the classroom for students whose parents cannot afford them.

~Jillisa B.

My grandmother was the first female counselor at an all-male drug and alcohol facility. She fought every day for those who couldn't fight for themselves because they were suffering from addiction.

~Seleena G.

My sister-in-law has made a difference by volunteering at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and taking care of my nephew who is a patient there.

~Anonymous

My best friend is a teacher and a musician. She has mastered the art of balance as she works a "practical job" but also pursues creative endeavors.

~Anonymous

My mother was an orphan in a country where children were not protected. She found a way to study and eventually opened her own company before emigrating. She worked until the last day of her life, teaching me that there are no obstacles to achievement.

~Natalie A.

My mother was a single parent who worked full time and went to school at night. Eventually, we had a house of our own, she was promoted to a respected and well-paying position, and she graduated at the top of her class from the University of Memphis.

~Anna B.

My twelfth-grade English teacher used every opportunity to stress the importance of knowing our Black history and related the readings to our everyday lives.

~Delandrias M.

My mother is a pediatrician and has contributed greatly to the city of Memphis. She would see patients at little cost if a family couldn't afford a doctor's visit. Giving back is important to her.

~Walter W.

The director of the Refugee Empowerment Program provides assistance to newcomer families through tutoring programs and ESL courses. She advocates for them in schools, emergency rooms, and even in jails. She speaks out against any discrimination of refugees in Memphis.

~Marie M.

A woman who has influenced my life is a neurologist, a mother of four, and a board member of the Memphis Islamic Center. She advised me to be active in my community in order to be happy.

~Jumana M.

My hero is an 83-year-old woman from the Memphis Figure Roller Skating Club who teaches adults and children how to skate without falling. She has inspired me to be my best self and to never hold back.

~Kate C.

My mom was a single mother of five and had two jobs. Our fathers did not give us a dime. Regardless of the negative, my mother put us through school efficiently. She is my hero and one of the strongest women I know.

~Ricardo C.

My mother's strength to financially support our family and cook dinner at the end of the day inspires me to work hard and never back down from any obstacle.

~Samuel L.

When I was in high school, my mother went to school for real estate. Three years later, she became one of the most successful agents in her office and the entire county.

~Avery W.

My source of motivation is my mother because of her 25 years in the Navy and her ability to raise three successful children and challenge the status quo.

~Anonymous

With her beauty, grace, and wisdom, she has taught me how to live a life complete with love and happiness.

~Morgan P.

If I can say I am half the woman my mother is, I will have a life to be proud of.

~Elizabeth S.

She is my best friend, my mentor, and the one who raised me. I am the man that I am now because of her.

~Kevin D.

It is a shame that society has determined to restrict the celebration of a woman like her to a single month in the year. She works just as hard, if not harder, than any man.

~Keegan S.

My grandmother sacrificed her goals during her golden years to ensure we had our bare necessities met. She is my hero, my confidant, my best friend, and the main reason that I am who I am today.

~Christopher P.

When she was 21 she had 3 children. Many people, even her own family, said that she wouldn't amount to anything. Their doubt gave her motivation. She now has several degrees, makes good money, and her situation gives me the drive that I need to complete college...

~Sierra H.

She said: 'Show all the boys that girls can be smart.'

~Jamilah L.

Growing up, she taught me that being a woman should not hinder you from achieving your goals.

~Elyza M.

Whether it is taking dinner to a sick church member, or sending someone an encouraging card, she never forgets those who are in need.

~ Lindsay W.

When I get to meet her students and they tell me how wonderful she is, all I can think is 'I know.'

~Alicia K.

She works, volunteers, and takes care of her family. She donates her time and money. Just by being herself, she makes a difference every day.

~Allie L.

I met her at a bus stop. She was a struggling, yet devoted mother. She worked two jobs and was a student. She represents all the women trying to better themselves and have a greater quality of life. She gave me hope for my future.

~Kim W.

I first saw her in the cotton fields with my mother. I do not understand how she escaped cotton picking and became a teacher. At that particular time, she was the only African American woman in our small Southern town teaching.

~Mattie F.

She works cleaning offices early in the morning so that she can be back home in time to make us breakfast and take my brother to school. Our entire lives she has sacrificed everything she has in order to provide for us.

~Brittany P.

She is my friend, my companion, my mentor, my mother, my everything.

~Daisy C.

Although she may never make our history books, she holds many honorable qualities that are associated with the leaders who have shaped our country and the heroes who defend it.

~Gabby C.

She grew up loving dance. When she was just 16 years old she was diagnosed with polio. It caused her to have to use a wheelchair, cane, or crutch her entire life, but that didn't stop her. She stayed strong.

~Ally K.

No, my mother is not a politician or someone famous, but she is an important part of my history. She has made me into the person I am today and she inspires me daily.

~Domenique P.

Every woman who dedicates herself to raising a child is shaping future generations. Without my mom, without your mom, our society would cease moving forward.

~Andrew D.

She has a hearty laugh, crooked smile, sparkling sea eyes, and fiery red hair that can only represent her strong spirit and warm, forgiving heart.

~Maggie M.

My Grandmother has made a difference for me. As she got older she became legally blind. She is still able to do everything anyone else can do & through this she still has a good sense of humor. This just shows me even when life pushes me down it's ok, and I can continue to go on.

~Sharon J.

My mom literally sacrificed her life for me. I am from Serbia. 6 months after I was born the war began & my mom was held at gun point & forced into a concentration camp. A year & a half later Serbians were lined up & being shot one by one. My mom was next. With me in her arms she prayed to God & pleaded with them not to shoot me, to take her. Before they were able to shoot we were saved. She is an amazing human being.

~Zana V.

I would like to recognize my teacher, Dr. Cheryl B. She goes way beyond the typical teacher. She will do anything to make sure you're on the correct path & give you as much, or any information to get you where you need to be, and encourages her students to reach their full potential.

~Christy W.

Ms. Angela R., the mother of my friend, makes a difference. She has started an organization to reduce infant mortality in Memphis & also helps pregnant teenage girls.

~Genina N.

Someone who has made a difference in my life is my mom. She is a veteran of the United States Navy. She has inspired me to become an officer in the Navy. Her commitment & determination allows her to accomplish any goal. All the qualities my mother possesses are those that are necessary to have a successful career in the U.S. Armed Forces. For these reasons, I admire her.

~Isabella G.

There is one women in particular that I feel is very honorable—my Stepmom. What makes her so honorable is that she took me & my siblings in during a custody battle & treated us like we were her own. I wouldn't trade this lady for the world.

~Jessica R.

The most important woman in my life is my mother. She has sacrificed so much for our family by working long hours at a night job & still taking care of her family. She manages to do all of this while fighting cancer. She is the most incredible woman I know.

~Robert F.

My mother has been a huge inspiration to me & many others. She was forced to quit school at 15 to work & support her family. She met my dad & moved to America. She completed her Associates Degree & now works as a teacher's assistant. She does things like providing a winter coat for one of her students who did not have one & could not afford it. The world is a better place because of my mother.

~Aoife W.

My mother is a pillar of strength. While raising me & my brother by herself she managed to reach her goal of becoming a nurse. She takes care of veterans at the VA hospital.

~Caleb H.

My mother is my role model. She has been working in the same job since she was 17 years old. She started working at McDonalds as a crew member & now at the age of 48 she is working as an Operations Director for the corporate office. This reminds me that no matter what you set your mind to you can accomplish anything.

~Taylor C.

There was a time in my life when I didn't really know who I was, but I walked into my tenth grade math class & met Mrs. B. She was the one I went to when I had family problems or just needed a shoulder to cry on. When I started to give up on myself she brought me back. She is a real inspiration.

~Antoneshia H.

Suzanne is my stepmother. She has no real reason to do the things she does, but she has truly been a mother figure in my life. She has three sons of her own & even adopted two girls. It is because of her or house is a home.

~Jack R.

There is one person I know that greatly makes a difference & her name is Melanie. She is a 40 year old waitress where I work & has a huge heart. She encourages everyone she encounters to appreciate our troops. Her son is one of them. She knows & fears that he might get hurt, but she continues to smile & make a difference in others' lives.

~Gidgette G.

I come from Ethiopia where life is a day-to-day struggle & women depend on men to live. My father was a political prisoner for 19 years. Stigma for a woman with a husband in prison is high & my family lived in extreme poverty. My mother had no community support. She raised two boys alone. She has proven her strength & character. She always tells me & my brother that I will be a doctor & he will be an engineer. My brother is now a mechanical engineer & I am pursing a Doctorate in African Studies. I hope to keep her & my dream alive!

~Simeneh G.

I am honoring my one & only sister because she managed to make the Dean's List at TSU, which no one thought was possible due to her dark & tragic past. She has always been there for me for anything I needed.

~Rashaun W.

One of the most important people in my life is my Grandmother. Since my mom was a single parent she was basically my dad. She always provided me with wisdom & a life experience story. She encouraged me to be everything I can be.

~Rodrigo B.

My preacher's wife from Mississippi was a very strong woman. She loved people & educating the younger people at our church. Although she passed away she left her name in so many different people's hearts.

~Aneadra P.

My partner Kayla is the greatest & most influential person in my life. She has not only supported me in every way, but is forging her own bright future in neuropsychology. She is getting her master's degree in Baltimore & she is the leading author on studies regarding PTSD therapy in her department, working closely with professionals of high esteem. I am graced to call my partner the woman who has inspired me to be a better human being.

~Kyle R.

I was born to two teenage parents. To allow both of my parents to go to college & build a life my great grandmother decided to raise me. She also raised herself & her siblings in a small town in Mississippi. She married & raised her own kids & even though her oldest son died & her husband passed away early on she never complained. She raised all her kids & their kids & beat a battle with cancer. She is my inspiration & motivation.

~Eric G.

As an undergraduate I was lost. I was supposed to pick a major, know what I wanted to study. My advisor was the person I turned to for help. She encouraged my curiosity, supported my decisions, & eventually became my mentor. Because of her, I continued to further my interests & my education—leading me to the Master's degree I am earning today.

~Jody S.