Successful women is AAUW topic

Provided.

Catherine Sjostedt and Jackie Fickel were two AAUW women who shared stories of the journey to succeed.

Four members of American Association of University Women described their paths to success at the recent AAUW meeting.

Each one described the twists and turns her life had taken and how often they had to change course. When Cindy Marble, program vice president, introduced Nancy Williamson, she declared before her speech that all the women in the room were successful. This led to instant applause. Other speakers in the program were Jackie Fickel, Catherine Carr and Catherine Sjostedt.

The women all came from different parts of the globe, from Canada to Texas to California. They graduated from college during the 1950s through the 1980s, yet each one described frustration with careers available for women at that time. Women were expected to become teachers, nurses or housewives. They credited AAUW with helping to change this limitation. They admired the career choices available to young women today.

None of the women kept the job they took after graduating. They said jobs come and go. The financial part of a job is not as important as the satisfaction obtained from the job. A common philosophy expressed by the speakers was that life is a journey, and along the way there are road blocks and detours. One must be flexible and resourceful to find happiness and success.

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. Both women and men with a two-year or higher degree are eligible to join. Information about Tehachapi Mountain Branch AAUW may be found at tehachapimountain-ca.aauw.net/.