Women's History Month: Celebrating ASUN's Sheroes
In honor of Women's History Month, ASU-Newport's Council for Diversity and Inclusion organized a number of activities to celebrate the women of ASUN.
The following includes contributions from ASUN faculty and staff members. They are sharing their stories of success, challenge and perseverance.
Poetry:
She-roes
By Sheila McNeal, Co-Chair of ASUN's Council for Diversity & Inclusion
Where would we be without She-roes
Women of Power
Women of Strength
Women of Courage
Soaring into Greatness
Having an “I Can Do all Things” Attitude
Yet graceful, tender and gentle
Guided by knowledge and wisdom
She-Roes rise early
With a mind to Succeed; No Greed
Her day is filled with high Expectations
She-roes stand tall and proud
And that’s worth a Celebration
Fighting through many years & fears
She embraces life with unwavering joy
She-roes are brave
No time to be coy
So let’s hear it for the girls!
All over the world
Hats off to She-roes
They truly are my Heroes!
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Stories from faculty and staff:
Stephanie Wilson, ASUN Assistant Professor of Mathematics
After high school I went to work, settling for what I thought was all I can do. One day my Mom said I was going to college with her, and she reminded me that I can do more.
My Mom believed in me and pushed me to believe in myself. The journey through college as a non-traditional student was a struggle plus dealing with the loss of loved ones, relationship struggles, caring for loved ones that are dealing with cancer, going through my own physical/health problems, financial hardships, finding a balance, asking for help, and finding the strength to believe that I can do this. I made it through and gained so much. The stronger support system from my family, new friends, knowing that I am worthy, and realizing the only limits in my life are the ones I set for myself.
Women that inspire:
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My Mom - strong, caring, dependable, honest, dedicated, true, and love with all her heart
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Amelia Earhart - to achieve something that no one thought possible
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Harriet Tubman - fight for family, friends, people she did not know no matter the cost, brave, loyal, love for freedom, and faith in God to see her through
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Mother Teresa - spreading love, compassion, and kindness
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Helen Keller - did the impossible, open the door for anyone with handicaps, inspired others, and set no limits on her abilities
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Pocahontas - peace, adventure, and acceptance
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My great grandmother Ora - living during a time that being Indian was not excepted and overcoming the bearers with love
There are many many many more women from the past and present that inspire me to be the best me!!
Actions speak so loudly, doing my best to be an inspiration.
Always do the best you can at everything.
Even though your best is different from your peers, family, friends, etc... your best is 100% you.
Be proud of who you are!!
Sandra Provence, Assistant Professor Emeritus
In December 2018, Sandra Provence was featured on the cover of a local magazine, Eye On. Her story is featured on page 39. Sandra has many titles including mom, grandmother, teacher and volunteer.
Read about what inspired her to become an educator here.
Tina Fuentes, Assistant Professor of English and Foreign Language
My name is Tina Fuentes, and I am an Assistant Professor of English and Foreign Language at Arkansas State University-Newport. I began working for ASUN in January of 2008. I enjoy serving our students and facilitating learning.
I was born in Newport, Arkansas, and raised in Tuckerman, Arkansas. We were a poor family, but I always had the public library which allowed me to escape to exotic locations. Learning was always my passion. I knew that an education was the only path to economic security, so I pursued an education at Arkansas State University.
My life feels like it has come full circle; now, I am helping those in similar positions to obtain economic security through education. Serving our students makes me happy.
In an effort to support women in the communities ASUN serves, a donation drive was held on each campus.
