Mira Costa Women Alumni
Jackie Shay, a Mira Costa Alumni, has gone on to make an impact as a female by becoming a professor at University of Santa Barbara. Mira Costa High School has impacted her journey in multiple ways, specifically the drama and english departments.
“The drama program, particularly the curriculum I engaged with Mr. Westerberg, greatly influenced me,” Shay said. “Through theater, improv, and directing, I developed skills that are still fundamental to my work today; public speaking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to adapt and think on my feet”
Her writing classes at Mira Costa helped grow her curiosity and voice as a philosopher, scientist, and professor. These classes also taught her how to communicate complex ideas effectively, helping in her current scientific research.
“One of my mentors once told me that the most powerful way for me to support and inspire other women in science was simply to become one,” Shay said. “Now that I’m here, I see how true that is.”
As a woman, Shay experienced multiple setbacks that she had to navigate through, especially in the scientific field, being put in administration or social roles instead of being recognized for her scientific contributions. Shay was able to fight past these struggles with the help of the people around her.
“What helped me push through these challenges was building a strong support system,” said Shay. “I sought out mentors and colleagues who amplified my voice.”
Shay likes to make sure her students understand that science is for everyone and not only for a select few. In the classroom she likes to center her teaching on real world examples and she likes to explore a variety of scientists whose contributions have been overlooked.
“I work collaboratively with students to build courses that work for them and have them centered within their learning experience,” Shay said. “This naturally inspires students to feel joy and have a sense of value in what they are doing and learning.”
Ari Deram began her journey as part of the orchestra but after watching multiple of the school’s drama productions, Ari had a lightbulb moment and a realization that she wanted to go into acting.
Since her graduation from Costa, Deram has grown a successful career. She has played Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Paulina in The Winter’s Tale, and Feste in Twelfth Night, all as a stage actress. She is grateful for and recognizes the importance of being a female performer in today’s age, where women’s voices are more prominent than ever. She hopes to inspire young women to chase their dreams, no matter how out of reach they seem.
However, Deram’s journey wasn’t smooth sailing. She faced many obstacles, specifically a struggle with being taken seriously in a competitive industry. Through these hardships she has learned to trust herself, and lean on others for support. She emphasizes that you have “the right to be unapologetically you.”
Ari expresses how scary it can be to reach for greatness and face those obstacles, but she also knows how important it is to face adversities head-on and with confidence that everything will workout.
“There have been many moments where it would’ve been easy to give up or lose sight of why I’m doing what I’m doing, and to let imposter syndrome takeover.”
Her journey proves that there is so much more than just talent to be successful, but it’s truly a strong work ethic, and self-belief.
Costa alum Tanya Nies makes an impact on others and inspires generations to come through her upcoming as an insurance specialist.
Nies is fond of her experience at Costa and the connections she made through the school. She emphasizes how much of an impact her teachers had on her success.
“Costa really helped set me up with a really strong work ethic,” said Nies. “ I still remember some of the things I learned from teachers there, specifically when the vice principal took me aside and gave me a heart to heart once, it meant a lot to me knowing someone cared about my education and making me into a better person.”
After graduating high school Nies goes on to explain how she was a late bloomer when it came to her place in the workforce. She initially was a stay at home mom but had to start from scratch about 8 years ago when finding a job and getting back into that working environment.
“ I was working at kind of entry level jobs during the pandemic and then I came through that insurance agent and right now I feel like my career is just starting to blossom,” said Nies. “I get empowerment from starting at the bottom and working my way up, showing to myself how I am capable of achieving my goals, I think that inspires anybody at any age there’s always opportunity”.
Now, Nies is in a trading force and is even the only woman amongst all men she works with. She feels there is still some discrimination against women when it comes to her job but she has determination to overcome these obstacles, demonstrating what a true powerful woman looks like.
Women’s History Month Background Information
History
The dedicated month dates back to 1980 when President Jimmy Carter first introduced a week-long celebration of women’s accomplishments. By 1987, Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month.
Figures
Susan B. Anthony, Marie Curie, and Rosa Parks are some of the many women who broke barriers in order to pave the way for future generations. Their inspiring efforts are what so drastically contributed to gender equality.
Celebrating
March serves as a time to recognize the strength, intelligence, and resilience that women possess. This month looks into past achievements while also continuing to fight for current women’s rights, ensuring that women’s contributions are never forgotten.
Struggles
Women’s History Month also sheds light on what they have overcome to get to where they are today. From the suffrage movement and equal pay fights, women have continually been challenged with societal norms.
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