The first time I was hired as a freelance reporter, I was
terrified. I was sent to cover a Conference in Oakland held by a
large women’s organization. I had a real Press badge to wear, and
my press releases were going out over a news service, which meant
being published nationally for the first time.
“Know your limits, not so that you can honor them, but so that you can smash them to pieces and reach for magnificence.”
~Cherie Carter-Scott
The first time I was hired as a freelance reporter, I was terrified. I was sent to cover a Conference in Oakland held by a large women’s organization. I had a real Press badge to wear, and my press releases were going out over a news service, which meant being published nationally for the first time.
I was often afraid that weekend – afraid I wouldn’t be able to write my first press release, afraid I wouldn’t do a good job, afraid I would overlook something important, and afraid to go up to complete strangers to ask them questions. This was no small fear, as I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the first African American U.S. Surgeon General.
In large part, what gave me the courage to enter the banquet hall where I would have to battle my way through 650 people to get my chance to talk with Dr. Elders was the experience of being a recipient of a scholarship from the American Association of University Women.
That’s why the May 8 Quilt Show being held by Gilroy’s AAUW is so near and dear to my heart. If not for the scholarships I received from them, and perhaps even more important, if not for the vote of confidence and encouragement they gave to me as a transfer student from junior college into the University of California system, I might not have been able to follow my dreams.
My purpose in writing this column is to highlight positive things going on in Gilroy – especially those who serve to remind us of all there is to take pride in and appreciate here. When you find a place where your dreams and being able to serve others dovetail, then your fears go out the window and your ideas can take flight.
I can’t stress enough the difference the AAUW can make in a young woman’s life, especially for girls and young women who might otherwise not be able to pursue college, such as low income students, students going back to college and single moms. My parents had limited income, so scholarships were essential for me to attend college. The Salinas AAUW scholarship, which they renewed for more than one year, made a huge difference for me.
Many local quilters are in the process of preparing for this fourth annual spring show. It is this quilt show that in large part helps fund the scholarship program for Gilroy’s AAUW. Judy and Sam Bozzo have generously opened up their gorgeous house and yard on Fifth Street as a great venue for displaying over 100 contemporary and handmade quilts.
Gilroy quilters are known for the beauty, creativity, and artistic expression. After her husband died, my friend Annabel Kropff turned to quilting to express her feelings and creativity. Quilting was both therapeutic and a social outlet. One of her quilt blocks hangs in the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, America’s First Quilt Museum.
Women first began attending school in Gilroy in 1853, just three years after California became a state. The first female teacher in Gilroy for whom I could find a recorded salary was Isabella Gallagher. She was paid $50 a month. Today, the AAUW raises thousands of dollars for education.
Since 1881, AAUW has been our nation’s leading voice promoting equity for women and girls through lifelong education and positive societal change. AAUW Gilroy awards at least two scholarships annually supporting higher education for women entering or re-entering college. In addition, they fund an annual scholarship to Tech Trek, a weeklong residential math/science camp for girls entering the eighth grade.
When I received my AAUW scholarship, no one warned me that part of the deal included getting up to make an acceptance speech. It was only when I arrived at the luncheon at Corral de Tierra Country Club and the microphone was placed in my hand that it dawned on me that I would have to speak. I was completely terrified (not to mention it was my first time inside a country club). But the AAUW gift to me of the scholarship for continuing my education gave me a chance to step out of my comfort zone and share my ideas with a supportive audience. As I tested my public speaking wings, I was backed all the while by an entire organization of well-educated women applauding and saying, “You go, girl!”
Please come out and support this year’s annual Quilt Show fundraiser and contribute to the AAUW to continue higher education for Gilroy students.
AAUW Quilt Show
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8
Where: Judy and Sam Bozzo’s home, 727 Fifth St.
Tickets: $15; includes light lunch
Details: Susan Murphey Patereau, 981-2799 or gilroyaauw.org/html/about_us.html
