Dr. B was the first professor that I met on
campus. She became my advisor and family
really fast. She cares for her students.
She is involved in every campus active including
taking pictures of our games (favorite memory).
She is brilliant, a wonderful person, an
amazing mentor and I am
So happy that she became part of my journey
at Tech.
Patrice Harris is an alumna of WVU and my Sorority Sister. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Omicron Chapter she set the mold for several future members and students to strive for excellence by providing “service to all mankind.”
We celebrate her legacy!
I am inspired by her advise for women in leadership positions. First and foremost, make space for other women. “Make sure that it’s not just about you, that there are other younger women that are also coming up the ranks,” she said, “so that the day when you stop, they are there to also take space.” And second, Lagarde laid out the three qualities she considers essential in a leader: confidence, energy and generosity. I have done my best to follow these words of wisdom and I'm inspired by her courage to inspire others through her actions.
Miss Pickens was from extension in the 60's and was over the 4-H program in Webster County, WV. She was an English teacher also. Miss Pickens was a role model for many women. She was a very pretty women who always looked just perfect, whether she was all dressed up for church or was ready for a day at 4-H camp. She took special interest in teaching us about manners, proper public speaking, and always emphasized being the very best you could be, no matter the task. She emphasized the importance of always being on time, listening to learn and that kindness was never wasted, even if not returned.
She was a single lady with no children. I really think the 4-H was her family. She expected the best, but was never harsh when you didn't meet her bar for excellence.
I have though of her often as I have moved to different phases of my life.
I remember one time at camp she made everyone take the class on good table manners. One of the campers made a remark that this was just "stupid." She very quickly, with a smile on her face, said, "If you just one time in your life need this skill, I have done my job."
Miss Pickens may never know how many lives she enhanced, but once a year we have a gathering at the 4-H camp in Webster County, and the conversations always go to how she was one of the people who inspired so many of us through her 30 years of service to the youth of Webster County.
Thank you Miss Pickens.
Emily Sands is that person. Her traits make her rare and what she has done as a woman makes her a leader and a role model.
Hearing stories about Emily from then to now showed me why I can be a leader. Somewhere down the line, you realize that it’s not about being perfect - it’s about being you. It’s about accepting yourself. Emily taught me that you don’t always have to be strong. You are allowed to have a meltdown from time to time. You are allowed to break into pieces. That’s OK as long as you keep picking yourself up.
I think that is one of the hardest things a woman has to do when you feel like the world is against you. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep pursuing your goals. That is why Emily Sands is my role model and inspiration because “she never gave up!”