International Women's Day: A Celebration

For decades, women fought to be seen. They fought to be away from the mundane life they were forced to live. They fought to have an education, political power, and ownership of their own life. March 8th is International Women’s Day. A day to celebrate the victories women globally have accomplished. A day to bring attention to the steps that still need to be taken. A day to celebrate women for what they are: powerful.

We have 4 stories here displaying different women’s experiences with the community here at Eastern Michigan University.

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Liv

Freshman

Being a woman means so much to me. As Michelle Obama said, “there is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” I am going into a career field where only 7% of the members look like me. That is one reason why I knew I needed a strong support system when I was choosing what college I went to. My tour guide, Katie, whose story you will hear later, was the first face I saw on this campus, and displayed beautifully how welcoming this community is. Eastern women are groundbreaking, stereotype fighters who push others to do the same. I have felt loved, supported, and safe in my time attending Eastern. There are so many resources, such as a Women’s Resource Center and health center right on campus, and many classes drawing attention to the fight women had to go through. I know here I’m not going to just be another woman that drops out of STEM. Here, I know I am being prepared and supported to join the 7% of women in changing the future and face of my career. I am reminded of this every time I step in my office (Admissions Welcome Center) here on campus. I love Eastern and would encourage anyone and everyone to check us out.

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Katie

Junior

Happy National Women’s Day from me, an EMU tour guide, social work student, and proud and empowered woman to you! While navigating the college search process as a high school student, I knew that I wanted to attend a school that valued my identity and individuality while simultaneously challenged me to grow and exceed expectations. With its bountiful resources, diverse representation, and immense opportunity to exceed limitations, I felt that EMU fulfilled all of my desires. Throughout my time here at EMU, I have felt supported, challenged, and affirmed in my identity as a woman. I am encouraged to share my experiences of injustice and feel supported by a strong community of like-minded people. My professors, peers, and mentors encourage me to break all expectations and limitations placed upon women by society. I am encouraged to speak up, take up space, share my experiences, express my emotions, be a leader, and be unapologetically myself. The community of strong, independent, and fearless women at EMU, has allowed me to explore what my definition of womanhood is. Because of the support and celebration of my identity that Eastern provides, I am now more confident than ever before. I am now confident in my self-expression, ideas, knowledge, and skills. But, most importantly: I am confident in my identity as a strong, independent, confident, genuine, and unapologetic woman.

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Molly

Graduate Student

As a woman at EMU, I have always felt so accepted, supported, and welcomed here. EMU has provided me with so many opportunities that have helped me grow socially, professionally, and academically. I have been part of the EMU family since Fall 2016 and have had experiences as an undergraduate student, an employee, a graduate student, and a graduate assistant (in the wonderful Admissions Welcome Center). Everyone I have encountered at the university has supported me and has made efforts to ensure that I am having the best experience possible. I also know that there are resources available, such as the Women’s Resource Center that is there to assist me and provide me with even more opportunities when I may need them. I also feel like in the classroom and in my workspace, my voice is always heard and my ideas are always validated. EMU has helped me grow as a leader in so many ways and has always provided me with equal opportunities and has made me feel included in everything I do. I am so thankful to be part of the EMU community and to know that I am surrounded by supportive and accepting individuals. Go Eagles!

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Ashley

Advisor in the Admissions Office

Eastern Michigan has made me feel welcome since the day I began in December of 2018. I did not know anyone in the area except one of my co-workers. The University welcomed me with open arms and helped me connect with so many professionals right away. My voice has power and is heard. I have helped to implement some fun, new events through the Admissions Office and I always feel as though my ideas are taken seriously and helped to lift off the ground. I have a lot of support behind me at EMU and I truly enjoy being a part of the Eagle community. I have also had the opportunity to pursue my Master's in School Counseling, while continuing my full-time job in Admissions at Eastern. I am truly blessed to have earned this job. At EMU, we strive for greatness and it is awesome how much support the University puts behind you in accomplishing your dreams.

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Women's Resources at EMU:

• Women's Health Center (located on campus)

• Women’s Resource Center

• EMU Women’s Association