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To the Strong Women of Hastings

-excerpt from the keynote speech at the 2012 YWCA Tribute to Women Luncheon

I grew up here in Hastings, and I was taught from a very young age that I could be anything I want. “Anything?” “Yes, Amy. Anything you want to be.”

So in kindergarten, when we were told to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up, I drew a horse.

Once I got that figured out, sometime around the middle of first grade, I naturally decided to be a nurse. I wanted to model my life after that of my mom, who was (and is) the most wonderful model of a strong woman I know. I knew she was a nurse, and I naturally also wanted to be the kind of caregiver that I saw her being. I didn’t know at the time that to her, being a nurse meant not only being a caregiver, but also a confidant, counselor, advocate, ally, friend, and philanthropist. To pretty much anyone who sought her support. She’s amazing. Always has been, always will be.

To this day, I still want to emulate my mom. But by high school, I had started to consider becoming a teacher. I had so many truly remarkable role models of strong women on which to base my dream, especially all my wonderful teachers at Longfellow, Hastings junior high, and Hastings High School. I had an amazing education growing up here. Also, besides my classroom teachers, there were public librarians, private music teachers, camp counselors, swim coaches, dance teachers, community volunteers, neighbors, babysitters, grandmothers, aunts, friends, and others. These teachers inspired me to be a life-long learner, and I have tried to carry that inspiration with me and pass it on.

In Hastings, I am so fortunate to work, play, and learn with generations of strong women, present and future. Much of the most effective, the most organized, and the most fun collaborative work I do at Prairie Loft is done with programs run by fearless, creative women. I find myself constantly inspired, honored, and sometimes a little intimidated by the strength in the shoulders of women who carry this town.

So on behalf of other women in the community, I want to express my gratitude today to those of you who have created a path for us. As I talk with other young professional women about living and working in this community, we realize that we are strong, because you have been strong before us.

Public recognition often goes to others, but we recognize that we owe much to the women in this community who have paved the way. No matter how little recognition you get for what you do, we know that you are tirelessly dedicated to making this community a truly wonderful place to live, work, and thrive for all of us.

We’ve learned from you that we really are able to be anything we want to be. We promise to use well what you’ve taught us, and to pass it on to the next generation of leaders. You show us how to have the guts to see clearly and tweak the norm, or even shake things up a little for the greater good in our community. Thanks for teaching us that.

 

About the author: Amy Sandeen

Amy Sandeen is the Executive Director of Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning. Amy grew up in Hastings, then lived in Minneapolis/ St. Paul for 18 years before returning to her roots. She is fascinated by the nature of humans and our relationship to the world.