What happens before a story becomes important? Precisely from this thought was born “She Started Here”, the podcast of TheAumnibus focused and dedicated to different women who have studied at our university who over the years, have left a mark on the world.
When we think of someone famous, we only see the achievements, awards or titles earned. We rarely stop to think about the road traveled to reach what we see. We rarely look back at when our landmarks were just girls like us, with uncertainties, doubts, fears and dreams to chase.
She Started Here, was born from a simple idea, to look back at the beginnings. We walk through the corridors of the university every day, passing by people whose history we still don’t know. We don’t know who they are and not even who they will become, what path they will choose to take or what mark they will leave in the world. It is precisely this vision that makes every beginning so fascinating.
That is precisely why you will have the opportunity to retrace the early steps, ideals and successes of three women who have walked on this same campus, such as Tarana Burke, Octavia Spencer and Halla Tómasdóttir.
You will live the silence before words can change the world. Through the eyes and voice of Tarana Burke, with all the difficulties and wounds that if named risk reopening, and the strength to transform the two words of “Me Too” into a global movement.
You will know the doubts before the great conquests. Through Halla Tómasdóttir, you’ll discover the humility of silent conquests, of the achievement of the presidency of a state confronting itself with one’s inner voice, the one that asks “who am I to run for office?”
Finally, you will understand how patience and resistance overcome difficulties. Like those of Octavia Spencer who waited behind the scenes for her great moment, giving voice to the difficulties of living with severe dyslexia, motivating and inspiring with her voice and her roles.
Three women, each on a different path, connected only by a common denominator, Auburn university at montgomery. A campus, an uncertain and dark beginning, from which they began to build word for word the phrases of life. They didn’t know where they would arrive, but they didn’t give up, they stayed, they chose to try fights and above all not to give up.
What I ask you today is to stop for a moment. Listen to the story of these women, but also listen to your own.
Dwell on where you started, your fears, uncertainties, the goals you reached and the falls that rushed on the road. Life is a constant surprise, a small comma can change the entire meaning of the sentence. Every action you take in your daily life can be that little comma of life.
Don’t be afraid to take the first step, believe and pursue your ideal. Have the courage to dare, even if the curve is dark and uncertain. And allow yourself to stop from time to time, and look back. Because it is only by looking at the past that we realize, without even noticing, that we were already building the story we call the future.
