Maybe it’s a beloved family member. Maybe it’s an insightful and impactful professor or mentor. Maybe it’s a revered historical figure. Regardless, one fact is indisputable, women are universally cherished for their irreplaceable impact on society, and the life of the individual, whether it be in the processes of character formation, teaching, companionship, or leadership.
The month of March, Women’s History Month, is a designated time to celebrate and appreciate the women who make life so beautiful.
At Palm Beach Atlantic University, several female students, spanning fields of study, seized the opportunity to share about women who have made an impact in their own lives.
Maternal Strength Inspires Daughters:
Freshman nursing student Sophie Bert views her mother, Lindsay, as a source of inspiration and a relational model.
“She has a very busy work life. [She can be] very stressed, [but] she still makes time to prioritize family and friendships,” said Bert.
Bert added how her mother “always puts others first,” which “inspires [her] to do the same.”
She concluded by reflecting on her mother’s “strong faith” that she seeks to imitate.
Jenna DeMatteo, a junior studying elementary education, can relate to the sentiments expressed by Bert, as she too views her mother, Suzette, as a woman whose faith through severe trials serves as an immense source of inspiration.
“When I was younger, she went through cancer and continued to praise God and show His love to others, even when there was a low chance she would survive,” shared DeMatteo.
It was her mother’s unceasing joy in the midst of suffering that had such an impact on DeMatteo.
“Because my mom was able to be so joyful, resilient, and faithful to God through something as awful as cancer,” she stated, “I am inspired to carry those same virtues with me when I go through difficult seasons.”
Ericka Squire, a Mighty Mentor:
For Reese McWilliams, a senior studying dance, her mentor Ericka Squire, an accomplished dancer, instructor, and choreographer, has been a shining example of what it means to love others and has shown her the value of grit and determination.
“She taught me that…if you want something you have to work for it,” shared McWilliams.
Squire, McWilliams shared, is certainly no stranger to hard work, as she is the owner of three businesses, teaches dance classes often, and runs a dance company, all while homeschooling eight children!
Additionally, McWilliams highlighted the importance of prayer and the power of “having people in your corner” as two of the lessons that she has learned from Squire off the dance floor.
“She’s always…been really supportive.”
Ministry Student Finds Biblical Inspiration:
Sometimes, inspirational figures can be found within the hallowed pages of Scripture. This is the case for ministry leadership major Hannah Seibert, who seeks the model the pure devotion displayed by Mary of Bethany found in John 12.
The Bible tells of Mary’s pouring of expensive oil on the feet of Jesus. This occurred not long after Jesus raised her bother Lazurus from the dead.
“It’s a reminder of just how precious and valuable Jesus is compared to any worldly thing I have to offer,” shared Seibert.
Also, Seibert stated that she believes Mary’s actions to embody the apostle Paul’s testimony of being made a “fool for Christ’s sake” in 1 Corinthians 4:10, as her selflessness was subsequently upbraided by Judas Iscariot.
“She was judged for honoring Jesus with such valuable oil,” said Seibert, before adding that this story is a reminder to “use the valuable things [she] ha[s] to honor Jesus,” regardless of the opinion of the others.
