By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
As March blossomed, so did the opportunity to honor and recognize the impact women have had across history and in everyday life.
Women’s History Month serves as both a reminder of past struggles and a celebration of present achievements by highlighting how far women have come and the paths they continue to pave.
“Every day is a great day to be a woman,” psychology major Kash Patrick-William, a senior, said.
For many students like Patrick-William, this month is about appreciating their identity and the women that came before them.
“What’s most empowering about this month is recognizing how much women have accomplished; how hard we’ve worked and evolved throughout the years,” Patrick-William said.
Powerful figures like Rosa Parks, who helped spark the civil rights movement, Marie Curie, who broke barriers in science, and Malala Yousafzai, who continues to advocate for girls’ education, represent just a few of the women who have made their mark.
“From mothers to powerful female leaders in this world, it’s very inspiring to be in a spot in life where I am able to be successful in ways that weren’t allowed before,” Patrick-William said.
Patrick-William connects that legacy of resilience and courage to spark change to her own journey.
“Imagine, women once could not go to college to earn a degree, and now women all around the world do so much more than that,” Patrick-William said. “I will be graduating with a psychology degree as a first-generation student.”
Patrick-William said that she sees her success as part of that continued progress and hopes other women appreciate and celebrate how much they have succeeded as well.
“That is something truly amazing. I should be proud of myself, and any women working hard to accomplish goals in their life should be proud of themselves as well,” Patrick-William said.
Along with self-appreciation, other women celebrate this month by uplifting their fellow sisters in womanhood. Social work major Julissa James, a sophomore, said she plans to celebrate Women’s History Month through acts of service.
“To celebrate, I make it an effort to shop at Black female-owned businesses this month,” James said. “So, I buy hair care from Camille Rose Naturals and lip gloss from Fenty Beauty.”
James’ celebration also includes carrying out simple acts of kindness to loved ones.
“I also bought my mom flowers last weekend to put a smile on her face,” James said.
For some, the message of Women’s History Month is something they carry year-round. Nursing major Armando Mejias, a junior, shared that his approach does not change based on the calendar.
“I don’t treat it any different than any other month because I treat women with the highest respect,” Mejias said. “I make sure I’m checking in with them as often as possible. It’s the little things that count.”
With Women’s History Month in full swing, it stands as both a celebration and a reminder that women’s progress and stories do not end here.
“We can only continue to be great by supporting each other as women. Being represented and appreciated during this month is not the start but definitely not the end,” Patrick-William said.
