Wisteria and Camelias

Dogwood Blossom

On the drive from Atlanta to Macon, I was greeted by blooming dogwood trees and azaleas bushes.  I love Spring in the South.  There are many things I’ve missed without realizing it:  rocking chairs and screen doors, that slow southern drawl, sweet tea, cheese straws, salty pork, collard greens, cornbread, lavender wisteria that hangs like grape clusters in the trees,  and bear hugs with lots of  suga’…It’s good to be home in Georgia.

I visited Macon to be a convocation speaker at my Alma Mater, Wesleyan College, which is the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women (year 1836)!  The campus is beautiful, and even though April showers were pouring down, I ventured out to explore old haunts and new buildings.

Wesleyan College, Macon

Rocking on the Porch

Screen Door in Cafeteria

It felt a little strange to be back at school as an alumni and not a student. The pretty cafeteria made me smile, as did the same old ugly plastic plates!  I was glad to see a tall knight in armor still stands by the fireplace.  (My maiden name is Knight, so this held an oddly special place in my heart).

Knight in Armor

southern Food

Athletic Center Classroom

Foyer in the Rain

I taught aerobics and choreographed dances in this creative space with its gorgeous old wooden mirrors. I love this room. Windows look out over the campus in three directions.

Dance Room

Athletic Center Floor

Misty View

I enjoyed talking to a diverse group of students in an accounting class, then went back to my room to prepare for my presentation the next day. I was asked to talk about my time at college, especially the importance of learning languages and studying abroad, working in male-dominated fields, and sharing lessons learned. There were so many messages I wanted to convey to these bright women, it was hard to narrow it down.

But I got my speech down to 30 minutes, and went to sleep, nervous and excited.

My sweet Mama, Aunt Jean, and roommates from college came into town to support me. I love these women. They are strong and courageous and great role models for women, like so many of my wonderful girlfriends, whom I also consider my family. (Real steel magnolias do exist, you know.  They are called southern women)! I am fortunate to know many steel magnolias, my mother-in-law included. They’re a tour de force, taking life by storm and living large.  Isn’t that what we’re here to do?

Sisterhood!

Spring Convocation

And that’s how I ended my speech, by encouraging these ladies to get to know themselves, find their voice and embrace their feminine perspective as an asset, dream big, pursue their passions, and invest in their sisterhood. It was a lot of fun, and such an honor.  Keep striving, ladies!