"Mina's ability to concentrate was amazing. At about this time, people began to realize her importance; her reputation in the field was growing. Many people wanted to meet with her, to be with her, to be seen with her. They wanted a piece of her, but Mina did not let anything get in the way of her work. ...She moved very quickly from one thing to another; she was very good at that. She did not talk very much about what she was doing...she just did it." (137)
"Everybody says this, I know, but Mina Shaughnessy changed my life. She was one of the most charismatic people I have ever met, and her interest in the students was so far above the politics swirling around her. Her motives were genuine; that's what set her apart." (99)
The influence that Mina had on other people's lives is so inspirational to me. As a woman and as an educator. As a woman because there is a certain strength females must possess in order to be able to achieve great and impactful things like she did. Maybe less today than in the 1960s and 1970s, it still rings true that woman are expected by many in our society to adhere to a more passive role of caretaker or support of some kind. When women begin to succeed, which may also demand respect or attention, they are usually regarded as masculine or as "bitches," such as in the case with Hillary Clinton or certain female CEOs. Additionally, women have a great deal to consider when pursuing a demanding career, such as having a family. As an educator, she inspires me because the same care that she had for her students is the way I feel about mine. I sincerely want the best for them all.
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