President's Page

      In May 1980 I was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by my 44 graduating classmates and teachers from Hankinson, North Dakota.  I smiled over the irony of this because a few years earlier I had cooked a mini revolution of sorts. 

   You see, before I entered my 9^th grade year, we had the option of taking either "General Business" or "Home Economics I."  This truly wasn't a choice.  The girls always took Home Ec.  The boys naturally signed for General Business.  Like a rite of passage, the girls would giggle about boys while baking cakes and the boys would joke about the girls while studying business.  I had nothing against baking cakes - I adore eating them - but as a child with 13 other siblings, I already knew how to bake cakes and housekeeping. Though I wanted to marry someday and have children in the far off future, I knew I now needed self-sufficiency skills about business, finances and employment.  As a top academic student I felt it reasonable to sign up for General Business.  Imagine my surprise - when for the only time ever - I was ordered to the Principal's office.

    "Hi, Melanie. I took the liberty of correcting your mistaken mark of Business class, instead of Home Economics.  When you are married you'll need to know sewing, child care, and pleasing your husband" the Principal intoned with an ingratiating smirk.

     My heart squeezed, hands felt clammy, and mouth turned dry.  I had been taught to obey authority - yet this was clearly wrong.  In a respectful tone I asked, "Can you please show me the school policy that states because of my gender I am required to enroll in a certain class?  Is this a State school requirement?"

     The Principal's smile rapidly switched to a deep scowl.  We both knew no such rules existed, only a very powerful tradition. "Well - if you're going to be that way! Trying to play with the big boys, are we? Well, I can't stop you!  But I won’t help you either."

     With those ominous words, I was 'allowed' into the General Business class. When I arrived on the first day of my business class, there were 17 desks for 18 students.  As I attempted to sit, the teacher shook his head and said, "We’re sorry Melanie, there seems to be a desk shortage.  I’m sure you won't mind standing.  You probably won't be staying here long anyway. I did hear there is an extra desk in the Home Economics room."

    The gauntlet had been thrown.  With the rest of the class snickering, my body shook with embarrassment and fury.  I would not leave.  I would make it my 'business' to prove myself more than 'worthy' for this class. Long story, shortened, I achieved top grades in all the tests that year.  Not only did I finally get a desk and a book, the teacher would start to say, "How come the rest of you guys aren't like Melanie?" (This didn't help much, either, but at least I was sitting down!) Suddenly, because of my stance, it was normal for members of both sexes to take either class.

     Why this story?  The AWCL is pleased to offer a "Women in Leadership" forum on Thursday, March 6^th at the Reimerswee. This event occurs on International Women's Day, which is being celebrated internationally.   Four female leaders will answer questions about how it is to be a female leader in today's world.  Our confirmed panelists include the Honorable American Ambassador Ann Wagner, Award winning chef Lea Linster, Admiral Linda Bird and the Network President Lisa McLean.  Our moderator is the 352 Editor Duncan Roberts.  Come with your questions - email some of them to me ahead of time, if you wish.  Don’t worry - we'll make sure we have enough seats for everyone to attend this fascinating meeting!

Melanie Salava