From Madelyn Bedard
WLP Legacy Night This symposium was a fantastic way to start off the new semester after what felt like the longest break to me. Starting with the history of the Mount Vernon campus and the legacy of the amazing women was truly inspirational. I have found that, in the WLP, we emphasize the aspect of having such a strong community, but referring to us as the daughters of Elizabeth J. Somers and sisters to all of the women who have gone through, are in, or will be in the WLP really solidified how unified we all are. I find it rather comforting that I am in a program that has given me dozens of sisters that share my similar academic discipline and strive to do and be the best that they can. I definitely want to be that ‘big sister’ role model for incoming WLPers, so the mentorship program is one I will find myself applying to when the time comes. The networking aspect was also a plus.
I think the surprising part, that continues to surprise me every alumni-featured symposium, is just how successful they turned out to be due to the WLP. I have noticed some in the program take this opportunity for granted, but every week I am reminded that someday I will end up in a career I love, doing work that will make a difference. The work that former WLPers do after college is something I am constantly mesmerized by, and I hope that when I come back for symposium that the current WLPers of that time also find my work equally impressive (and that I can be a good representation of the 2020-2021 WLP class).
My biggest takeaway from symposium was to always connect, even if it might not be with a person in your field, as Kalpana put it “if they cannot help you, they definitely know someone that can.” Being a part of this legacy gives us built-in connections with women all over the country and even the world. It is important for us to continue to talk, make connections with our guest speakers, and truly show how thankful/grateful we are to be Elizabeth’s daughter and WLP sisters.
From Sophia Hairston
Legacy to me means something that is passed down from generations; in regard to the Women’s Leadership Program, I think that legacy is the desire and dedication to learn that is passed down to each woman in the program. Coming from an all-girls high school, I learned the value of an all-women’s education. I think that being in an all-girls environment shapes personal growth and fosters a safe environment for young women to speak up and speak out whereas co-ed environments sometimes silence their female students. I was personally amazed when learning the history of Elizabeth J. Somers and the Mount Vernon college because of how inspiring and dedicated the former students and faculty were to their education. A college education is a blessing at any college, but what makes the Women’s Leadership Program special is that it does not only offer lesson plans; it also provides close teacher student relationships, smaller discussion-based classes, and a supportive group of peers. I think that as a member of WLP I will fit into the legacy by respecting and engaging with other members and faculty. Although it is harder now that we are virtual it’s still important to engage with the community and try to develop new ways to improve the program. After Thursday’s symposium and hearing from former GW and WLP students I realized that the program sticks with you after college, and the skills and connections made from the program are truly lasting. The women from Thursday’s symposium are willing to share so much guidance whether I choose similar career paths or not. The kindness and generosity that they showed by sharing advice and suggestions was something that WLP former and future members all embody, and that is the legacy I hope to embody.