HERstory

Since its origin in 1981, when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28, Women's History Week and Month honors the important role women play and the accomplishments they have made. This week, SAM staff members talk about qualities we look for in a role model and share who inspires us.

ERIN SCHWAGER:

Dolly Parton once said, "If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader." Like Dolly says, actions speak louder than words and that is something I search for when looking for a positive role model. Some qualities I look for in a role model include: committed, driven and determined to identify the most important values in life.

The female role model who has shaped me into the young woman I am today is my mom, Deb. My mom has pushed both my brothers and I to become the best versions of ourselves.

Growing up, she stressed on the importance of choosing family first, being involved within the community, and staying committed once involved with whatever it is we started. From as far back as I can remember, my mom has always been one of the hardest working women I have ever met. She makes it her priority to stay busy supporting her kids and grandkids at everything they do and remains encouraging no matter the situation. Someday, I hope to be half the woman my mom is. Dolly's quote has been an inspiration on why I want to continue my education to become a high school educator to inspire many young women just like my mom inspired me.

ELIZABETH ODELL:

There have been many women who have guided me throughout my life. One special woman is my Grandma Sarno. As a young bride, she left Italy and her family and immigrated to New York. She embraced becoming an American and all the opportunities this country could offer her family, setting an example for future generations.

My mom, Ann, was my Grandma Sarno's youngest of nine children. She graduated from eighth grade and then worked to help support her aging parents. I aspire to reflect my mom's strong faith, commitment to family and compassion for people.

Past teachers have shaped who I am today. They taught me there wasn't anything I couldn't do once I set my mind on it. Other women who have also encouraged me are my mother-in-law, Lollie, sister, Lisa, daughter, Keely, and several authors, including Marie Benedict.

Many women in the Bible have inspired me, Queen Esther, Rahab and Ruth to name a few. They took risks to fulfill a divine objective, demonstrating faith in the process.

All these women and many more have shown me that daily decisions, words of encouragement and kindness not only shaped me but have shown me how I can inspire those surrounding me.

SANDY SCHROTH:

A role model, a person we try to emulate in some, or perhaps many facets of our lives for personal or professional success.

Important qualities for the role model depend on our goals and perhaps our definition of success.

At the end of the day, I see success, not as perfection, awards, popularity, or even wealth. While all those things are certainly great and I want them like everyone else, I also see success as the satisfaction of doing one's best, of providing a service of value - to family and community, maybe to make the world a little bit better.

Qualities of the role models who shape that success include showing knowledge and confidence without being arrogant, along with commitment, willpower, accountability, work ethic, integrity, a willingness to follow their hearts. Some humility - being able to admit mistakes and seek forgiveness - rounds it out.

While there have been others, my most influential female role model - the woman who most shaped my success perspectives - is my mom, Marjorie Beed.

Yes Mom, you! I like the woman you inspired.

LUANN SCHINDLER:

In "Phenomenal Woman," Maya Angelou examines the allure of a woman's confidence. It comes from simple traits: the way you present yourself, how you treat others, the beauty of being comfotable in your own skin. Combined, a beautiful creation emerges and strength becomes her second name.

I have been blessed to know a lot of phneomenal women. I think of the elementary teachers who shaped my love of learning, the college instructor who demanded excellence, my grandmothers, and those who came before them, who endured hardships to ensure their family's future.

I think about my mom, a strong woman, who battled cancer and the brave face she displayed, even when the pain was unbearable. Through it all, she displayed grace. She did not complain. Instead, she searched for the silver lining and never gave up. Simply, her attitude was phenomenal.

Every morning, I think about the lessons she taught and words of wisdom she shared. I carry those words with me at all times and they serve as a reminder to be true to myself, let others see the real me and most importantly, never forget my self-worth.

These are lessons all our daughters should remember as they brave the world.

Angelou wrote, "It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care.

'Cause I'm a woman.

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman. That's me."