Teacher a role model for girls everywhere

They are confident, loyal, compassionate and intellectual. They are lawyers, doctors, teachers, and CEO’s. They are liberated and competent. They make up 50.6% of Canada’s population and 49.7% of the world’s population. They come in all shapes and sizes. Who are they? They are women.

Janice McGrath is a teacher at Hants East Rural High School in Milford NS. She teaches two grade 12 courses which include global economics and law. She is a role model for girls everywhere. She perceives herself to be “a loving and hard-working person, who is happy to be a woman.”

McGrath feels a great responsibility and respect for her position as a teacher: “I model a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for what I do, and the ability to balance my work and my family life. As a woman, I know that I fill a lot of roles, but I am still able to thrive and enjoy my life. I think women possess a great deal of strength as well as empathy. Women can be intelligent, powerful and strong while at the same time fulfilling the role of nurturer,” said McGrath.

Victoria Versteeg and Nadrina Murray are both soon to be graduates at the Hants East school where McGrath teaches.

According to Versteeg, “Men perceive women more negatively than they used to. I think men see women as a threat, and they deal with them by demeaning them, and perceiving them as inferior.”

Conversely, Versteeg sees herself as “a worthy, strong, independent, capable, and compassionate” person. She believes that it’s hard for women to differentiate between who they are being told to be and who they really are.

“There are many stereotypes [in society]; women aren’t as smart; women aren’t as athletic, the list goes on” said Murray. “These stereotypes are not valid- there are just as many girls involved in sports here at school as boys. I respect myself as a woman and try not to play into the stereotypes that are created based on the women who don’t respect themselves. I think self-respect is an important part of life, for everyone, but especially for women.”

Nicole Khoury
Junior Journalist

Junior Journalist Nicole Khoury is a grade 12 student in Milford, Nova Scotia.

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Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.