Role Models

I just got home from a very inspiring presentation put on by the Women in Science club of three accomplished Latter-Day Saint women who love the gospel, have careers, and families!

#1. Dr. Sharlene Miner (MD) is an ER doctor, mother, and member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

#2. Dr. Emily Bates (PhD)- Neuroscience professor researching genetic disease, marathon runner

#3. Dr. Jamie L Jensen (PhD)- mother of four young boys, biology professor researching biology education

Each gave their own wisdom unique to their own life experiences. The words they spoke went straight to the heart. It was a night of empowerment to women--to those in attendance--to me!--to not be afraid of working towards goals involving higher education and fulfilling careers. Motherhood is so great and precious, but it IS possible and okay for women to be accomplished and educated--and in fact really encouraged in the gospel! I loved it. I know I'm not an actual life-science major and its my membership in the WIS club is "questionable" but I figured since I am taking all the prerequisites for medical school anyway, I had just as much right to be part of this club as anyone else. I've paid my dues and don't regret it at all. I love the life sciences. Very much. And goodness, this club is amazing and gives so many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom! 

Anyways. 

It seems that each woman in giving her life story presentation and of her work had the same kind of theme: have the end in mind, plan and prepare, but note that the end will probably change and be unlike anything you've ever imagined in your earlier years of planning. Be okay with that, follow the commandments, live the gospel faithfully and Heavenly Father will guide you onto the path he intended you to be on. 

How neat! 

After these wonderful women gave their presentations, we were given the chance to mingle and eat refreshments. I am cursing myself now for being so ridiculously shy! I wanted to talk to Dr. Sharlene Miner but didn't think I had anything really profound (or intelligent, for that matter) to say except only to gawk and tell her that she truly is an amazing woman and my role model! I didn't think gawking would be flattering for either of us. I should have. Dang it!! 

Alas, it's in the past. 

But I am so glad that there are women out there to help guide my path, women who are living proof that being a successful, Mormon, WOMAN is possible. I understand that success is different and unique to every woman and not everyone will have families or have the chance to marry nor will everyone go into the medical field or get their master's degree. . . . but for the desires of my heart to do something in the medical field and have a family (if the right fella happens to come my way)--the fact that there are women who live and breathe doing just that, really lights my fire. I'm so ready to take on the world. I can do it. 

I'm grateful for good people doing such amazing things. This world is made so much better by the true heroes in our society whether it be my mother, your mother, your doctor, your quiet loving neighbor. . . . 

I hope to be a role model to my children some day. 

And I'm definitely planning on it. 

:) 

Cheers to fantastic people who inspire, motivate, and change us. 

Change is growth and I'm glad I have role models to which I can mold my life after. 

Definitely--no matter how many looks I get when I tell people in the Women In Science Club my major--no regrets!!