Monthly Archives: February 2010

Syracuse University Pilots She's the First Campus Outreach Program

Syracuse University

Syracuse University

Here at Syracuse University, our official mantra is “Scholarship in Action.” Since She’s the First is about giving girls in the developing world the opportunity to become scholars, SU is the perfect place to pilot a program that teaches college students how to take action for the cause.

She’s the First team members (and SU students) Christen Brandt, Rachael Datello, and I are working together to reach out to the media and on-campus student organizations to establish lasting sponsorships for girls’ education.

This takes a great deal of careful planning. Here’s how we hope to accomplish this goal at Syracuse:

  • Take a grassroots approach. By working with residence halls and student clubs, we’re finding groups of friends who can gather together to support a cause that will enhance their organizations’ missions and provide a rewarding connection with girls in the developing world.
  • Use our skills. As students at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, we are learning innovative methods for using various types of media to promote a message. From writing press releases for The Daily Orange (our student newspaper), to using Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail blasts to reach the entire campus, we’re focused on gaining support from anyone and everyone.
  • Be accessible. When a student organization expresses interest in sponsoring a girl, we set up a time to meet individually with representatives to go over all of the details of the process. In my role as Campus Outreach Coordinator, it’s my job to ensure that our sponsors are fully informed about our mission and have all of their questions answered.

Most importantly, we’re staying optimistic. SU is a big place, and reaching every student will take some time. However, the challenges we face only make us more devoted to creating the sponsorships that will help girls become “the first” to be anything!

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An Original Song Inspired by She’s the First

I first met Alexia Petrocelli last year when she entered a video contest I ran for my day job at Hearst Digital Media. Ali and her best friend won a trip to New York City to attend a concert at a high school prom. Ali, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter, and I have stayed connected on twitter ever since. She is @shesthefirst‘s #1 cheerleader. When she wrote and recorded this song for our campaign, I knew it would forever be our anthem.

Ali: Our shared muse, Audrey Hepburn, would be bursting with pride. As the first in your family to study abroad, you’re a shining example of what girls can achieve with an education, and to think your journey is just beginning! You’re the reason I believe in the power of prom dresses. :)

Others: Leave your comments for Ali below!

Lyrics:
The First

VI

I can’t count all the dreams I hold in my hand
And the truth is I don’t really have a plan
But I’ll keep moving forward one day at a time
‘Till all my goals are in sight and they are mine
They are mine

C

I’m the first
Not the last
Gonna make my dreams last
Steady on
Head strong
I’m not leaving without a fight
This is my life

VII

As far as the stars reach is where I find
Where imagination really lies
So don’t worry now, I’ll be okay
‘Cause when they tell me I can’t I’ll make a way
I’m making my way

Posted in Arts & Books | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Costa Rica Elects First Female President!

President Laura Chinchilla

President Laura Chinchilla

Upon hearing that Costa Rica elected its first female president yesterday, She’s the First sought a young woman with ties to Costa Rica to blog about what this historic win means for the women and girls of Latin America. We found Jasmine Pope, a freshman at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, who first visited Costa Rica for service work in 2008 and will return this summer for an internship. Below, her thoughts on the soon-to-be-inaugurated President Laura Chinchilla:

Though I was always infatuated with Latin America, I became actively involved in Costa Rican politics and culture when I visited the country in June 2008.  Upon arrival, I instantly fell in love with the people and the motto “Pura Vida” or Pure Life.

Although we lived on opposite sides of the equator, I was surprised to learn that my experiences and ambitions were very similar to my peers in Costa Rica. Therefore, I guess I missed out on the “culture shock” that many people talk about. Au contraire, las abuelas, or the grandmothers, in my town were like my own in the States. Like my own mother, mothers in Costa Rica shared the similar desire to live a fulfilled life outside the home while caring for and raising their children.

These commonalities among women across the globe highlight the significant achievement of Laura Chinchilla. In Costa Rica, gender roles are more rigid than those in the United States.  This intensifies the difficulty that women experience in rejecting traditional domestic roles.  One of my Costa Rican friends revealed to me that her family initially disapproved of her when she decided to pursue higher education at the local university.

Following the progressive and prosperous years of outgoing President Oscar Arias-Sanchez, Costa Rica will continue to advance with the inauguration of Laura Chinchilla. Chinchilla is the protege of President Arias, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient and international pro-activist against Central American violence and guerrilla warfare. As an advocate of standardized Costa Rican education based on the concept that “every town will have a school” and economic trade with US and China, Arias exemplifies a charismatic and well-liked figure. These ideologies served the best interest of Chinchilla.

Revolutionary sentiments that swept through the United States in our past presidential election have influenced the Costa Rican elections.  Supporters are hopeful that Chinchilla’s political influence will continue the progressive change that has already begun with Arias. Meanwhile, Chinchilla, as a strong social conservative and devoted mother, gives hope to women across Latin America who seek to live fulfilling lives outside of the traditional place in the home while still maintaining their motherhood.

Posted in Women's History | Tagged , , | 1 Comment