Women struggle to succeed

Richland County Council member Joyce Dickerson and student Julie Hunt Richland County Council member Joyce Dickerson and nursing student Julie Hunt had never met before lunch on Saturday, May 17. By the end of the meal the two women shared hugs and tears as both were applauded by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) members and guests for the struggles they have endured and achievements they have realized.

A single mom juggling work as a secretary at the South Carolina Heart Center, attending pre- nursing classes at Midlands Tech, and caring for her disabled father, Hunt's heartfelt request for assistance to continue her education was rewarded by the branch with a $500 scholarship. She'll use it to pursue her LPN.

"I'm so humbled, and so grateful for this help," a tearful Hunt told the group. "And I promised myself I wouldn't cry." Hunt has been accepted in Midlands Tech's LPN program to begin this summer.

Dickerson, who told the group of her young life living in boarding houses while her mother worked as a laundress, and the step father who adopted her and embraced the gregarious teen, was presented the branch's Educational Foundation Named Gift Honor which recognizes her contributions to women and girls.

Mentioning the "101 women who have influenced my life," Dickerson spoke of the women who had mentored her along the way and the importance of reaching out to other women and girls. The award, Dickerson said, reflected "my struggles to get an education while maintaining my dignity and integrity."

AAUW Greater Columbia was founded in 1923. With a mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. The branch is one of 12 statewide and 1,000 throughout the US. The AAUW Educational Foundation has a long and distinguished history of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe. Each year the Foundation provides about $4 million in fellowships, grants, and awards. Visitwww.aauw-greatercolumbiasc. org.