OPINION
4 March 12 - 25, 2021
Explore Big Sky
Question: Women’s History Month started as Women’s History Week in 1981 celebrating women and their contributions to American society. Thinking about historical women and the purpose of Women’s History Month, who is a woman who has inspired you or who you look up to?
Katie Bagby Big Sky, MT
Sylvia McMinn Big Sky, MT
Miranda Clements Big Sky, MT
Victoria Richards Salt Lake City, UT
“I look up to my birth mom. She actually went through a tough situation and I really look up to how strong she was when she went through that. She gave me up so that I could have a better life and have a father figure in my life, so I really look up to her, she’s a very strong woman.”
“I look up to Sarah Palin. I think she has a lot of strength and courage. I think that she has a lot going for her that the rest of us could use if we tapped into some of her strength and courage.”
“My older sister Kara inspires me. Today she is married, a mom of three and works a full time job for Boeing handling multimillion dollar deal proposals. On top of that, she is committed to her passion for health and fitness as a beach body coach. Her passion for all her endeavors in her life is inspiring and contagious. She simply is a super woman in so many areas of her life and I don’t know how she does it.”
“I would say my mom is someone I have always looked up to. Her and I have always been really close, and she just gets after it in every aspect of her life—with her career, kids, everything she does in the outdoors: skiing, hiking, backpacking, and all of that. She is the kindest person ever, so she is a huge inspiration.”
Letters to the Editor: Reflection for International Women’s Day As a woman, wife and mother in business I have experienced firsthand the complexity of both being the only women in a room as well as being surrounded by other women competing against each other. On this International Women’s Day recognized on March 8, I want to challenge myself and others to remember a few things:
You can help preserve fish and wildlife habitat and scenic open spaces in Montana.
We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strength. You can do hard things. Failure can bring you your best success. We rise by lifting others. Her success is not your failure. The pandemic has affected many women disproportionately—many of us have felt scared, lonely and overwhelmed at all there is to be done at work and at home. Trying to keep up with the social media belief that everyone can do everything and look great while doing it. Your partner, family and friends may be supportive, but these feelings can still haunt you. Do not feel ashamed. There are brighter days ahead and there is help available to you. You can talk to someone 24/7 confidentially at Lifeline 1-800-2738255 (Talk) and locally we are fortunate to have additional support lines through Women in Action (bigskywia.org) and the Help Center (bozemanhelpcenter.org). Sarah Blechta Big Sky, Montana
Contact Jessie Wiese at jessie@mtlandreliance.org for more information Ad donated by supporters for open land | mtlandreliance.org | 406.594.1570
