Gender Roles by Nancy

Gender Roles by Nancy - August 2013 Scholarship Essay

While most students were conflicted on her teaching style, everyone pretty muched agreed that our high school history teacher was extremely matronly. She was strict when she had to be, and bear-like protective when students really needed her. So I think it would hardly be a surprise to my high school peers if I said my most interesting lesson came from her, the teacher that some fondly called "Mama".She was the teacher sponsor for the school's history club, and I and other fellow female club officers were hopelessly trying to construct a display to pomote the club, she took over. She was in a flurry, building left and right, andas she worked, she told us what I consider the most valuable lesson I learned in high school. She told us, "Don't let yourself give up because it's too hard. You have to learn how to do these things on your own, and definitely do not rely on a man to help you. Stand up tall and be the independent women I know you can be". The whole situation was kind of ridiculous. She was telling us this while on her hands and knees, stapling something to a cardboard platform, but at that moment, I never felt more respect for her. Here she was, a woman that we saw as "Mama", yet as she spoke, I saw her as a fiecely independent woman as well. And at that moment, I knew that I wanted to be one too.