A Historic Overview of Women and Otterbein

For me, each and every Women in Leadership class that I attend is in itself, a very rewarding and empowering experience. Having a network of other aspiring women leaders makes me feel as though I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to, because I have the support of other women like me who are also striving to accomplish their own goals and dreams. Each week something new and exciting occurs that serves to further my growth as a woman as well as a leader. My favorite part of last week's class was when we heard from archivist, Steven Grinch. Otterbein is rich in history and tradition, and I felt as if I were stepping back in time as I listened to Mr. Grinch's presentation.

I learned a lot about the various important women in Otterbein's history. Each specialized in their own area and each had their own legacy to leave behind as they moved on to bigger and better things. Perhaps what really moved me was the fact that I am walking where these legends walked; I am working on the foundation that they have already built for me. When I saw their pictures in Mr. Grinch's slideshow it was as if they were staring right at me and asking me the same question I am asking myself, what will the future hold? What am I going to do to make the most of the opportunities I have been given? What legacy will I be leaving behind when it is my turn to leave Otterbein and move on to the next phase of my life?

This presentation and the questions it raised have been simply inspiring. These amazing women are proof that great deeds can be done not just by famous women, but also by women like me, who are determined to leave their mark on the places and people they leave behind as they continue to grow and advance. Even at the end of my life when I look back on all that I've done, I want to know that I left the world a better place than when I entered it. Now more than ever, I am determined to make the most of the time that I have left at Otterbein, and to leave behind a legacy that will inspire other women to do the same.