Who do you want to make out with on a Saturday night? Would you let your parents choose for you?
Like most of us, Dr. David Gudelunas would rather decide for himself. Similarly, Gudelunas explains that discerning your passion must come from within rather than outside forces. He said: “You would not ask your mom who you should make out with. …You have to find that, you have to figure it out.”
In celebration of Women’s History month, a panel of four Fairfield “firsts” set out to empower students to be trailblazers by telling their success stories as the first in their specific field. With about 45 students gathered in the Kelley Center last Thursday night, the panelists reminisced on their journeys and interacted with students encouraging them to pursue their own goals.
When discussing her struggle towards becoming a published author, Alexa Mullady discussed the necessity of self-satisfaction as opposed to praise from others. “Most people say it is impossible to get published,” she said. “Don’t do it. You will just get rejected,’ they said. I have sent something to a publisher once, but for now, I just like writing and I am happy with that.”
The panelists stressed the importance of placing yourself in uncomfortable situations in order to grow. Dr. Patricia Behre said, “Life is sort of a combination of feeling comfortable and uncomfortable and using both of those.”
While the panel was referred to as “trailblazers and troublemakers,” Mullady said that she is usually grateful to be referred to as a troublemaker.
Gudelunas agreed: “The idea of being a troublemaker is … that you’re trouble for other people. That’s okay. It’s not your trouble. It’s their problem.”
“Trailblazers and Troublemakers: Fairfield Firsts” took place on March 22 as part of Women’s History Month and consisted of a panel of four “firsts” from Fairfield University including Alexa Mullady, David Gudelunas, Karen Donoghue and Patricia Behre. Its purpose was to underscore the theme of empowerment shared by groups on campus.
Alexa Mullady is a Fairfield University alumna from the first decade of co-education. She majored in English and minored in Education. Currently, Mullady is the program assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences. She also participates in the town of Fairfield as the Parks and Recreation Commissioner.
David Gudelunas is the first male director of the Gender, Women and Sexuality program, previously known as Women’s Studies. He is also an associate professor in the communication department as well as a published author. Gudelunas will soon be the chair of the communications department.
Karen Donoghue was the first female FUSA president and a member of the class of 2003. She majored in Business Management and Communication. She is currently the Dean of Students overseeing ResLife and New Student Programs.
Patricia Behre was the first female managing editor of the Yale Daily News. She is an associate professor in the history department at Fairfield University and teaches a seminar at Yale University. Behre is also a member of many committees on campus.
In a Presidential Proclamation on Women’s History Month released March 1, President Obama said, “We commemorate their struggles, celebrate centuries of progress and reaffirm our steadfast rights, security, and dignity of women in America and around the world.”
This panel presented a local perspective on the success and empowerment of women reaffirming Obama’s proposition for celebration.
According to Dr. Liz Hohl, host of the panel and assistant professor of history, “By focusing locally on trailblazers and troublemakers in our midst, we are reminded that the power to make history is in our hands. Change begins with us.”
After revealing their strategies for overcoming obstacles, the panelists offered advice for students. “Pick what you want to do in life and make sure you love it,” said Mullady.
Gudelunas explained that he constantly reminds himself, “Don’t sweat the small things.” By focusing on the bigger picture, students can set their priorities straight and accomplish want is necessary, said Gudelunas.
Most students responded positively to the panel. “The event was very inspiring and really helped me a lot. The panelists had wonderful advice for college students who may not know what path to go down post-graduation,” said sophomore Molly Leidig.
Donoghue encouraged students to continue women’s progression at Fairfield. “I think it is very important for women that they put themselves in a position where they go forward at Fairfield, being that it is still very male-dominated,” said Donoghue. “It’s important that women are comfortable with themselves and believe in talents and skills that they have because what you think is over is not.
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