The Wareham Program is a 6-week leadership development program, co-sponsored by the Student Activities Office, which provides a chance to look at what it means to be a woman and a leader. I remember one discussion vividly in which we talked about how many women who did great things throughout history probably didn’t start in their endeavors thinking “I want to be forever known for the work that I do.” They were just focusing on the gifts they were given, the passions they held dear to them, and a ferocious sense of resiliency to get them through. It was probably just the right time and the right place. Now, I’m not trying to equate myself to Elizabeth Cady Staton or Juliette Gordon Low, but the work I do every day is important because it means something to me. And hopefully, just hopefully, I do it well enough and give of myself enough that it will mean something to someone else, even if it’s just in a small way.
For me, my work with the Lieben Center is focused around being authentically ourselves and being willing to give of ourselves and share our stories to be a part of the larger community. It’s not about penning men against women or rallying voices of frustration or disapproval. My philosophy has always been if you think there is a problem, don’t complain about it – do something. And for me, that doing something is reaching out to women and building stronger communities, not ones that stand to take each other down. Sure we’re different, but we’ve all struggled. We’ve all overcome. We all have a story to share. If we truly want to embody cura personalis, it’s about learning to take the time to figure out what we believe, what drives us in our everyday lives.
So much of what I have learned here has come from the students. They teach me something every day I’m at work. Whether it’s the power of laughter, the ability to bounce back from family problems or the strength it takes to figure out your vocation, I learn every day. From the staff, I have learned more about compassion, drive, and taking time to step back and appreciate the beauty of an imperfect life. From the faculty, the importance of how we choose to communicate, how to seek balance of personal and professional life, and how perseverance pays off…eventually.
In using myself as an example, as one individual of the Creighton community who has learned so much from those around me, think about it in the context of the number of people here. Each and every member of our community has a similar story that they have been shaped by those around them. The impact we have on each other is almost overwhelming, if you think about the several thousand members that exist within our community. If each of us shares openly with each other that which we love, what inspires us, challenges us, connects us, defines us - we strengthen our bonds. And in doing so, we strengthen our community.
Looking into kicking off my second year at the Lieben Center, I know our strength will come from bringing passion to the table and sharing it with those around us. That's our niche - that's how we help to enhance our Creighton community. My hope is for this blog to be my ability to share a passion of mine: stories. Each week, a different member from our community has the opportunity to share a part of their story about what it means to be a woman on Creighton's campus. Not only is my hope for us to see the incredible work or struggles people within our community have gone through, but also to find some solidarity. To be able to cross the borders of students, faculty and staff to find our commonality of being women for and with others.
Kindly,
Lori Durako
Director of the Lieben Center for Women &
Deglman Hall Resident Director
