Shining a light on success: AAUW mentee's successes speak volumes

FALLBROOK – In the interest of providing positive stories from 2020, the American Association of University Women – Fallbrook will highlight the accomplishments of AAUW mentors and high school mentees in the upcoming months by asking "where are they now?"

AAUW was founded in 1881 for the purpose of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, policy, philanthropy and research. By providing mentorships, scholarships, competitions such as Speech Trek and Tech Trek Science Camp, AAUW Fallbrook fosters the development of young women in their pursuit of higher education.

This month, AAUW highlights Suzetty Castellanos, one of many young women who have benefited from the support of the AAUW High School Mentorship Program and also long-term mentors who have steadfastly supported the students as they grow and develop new interests and friends.

Castellanos is in her third year as a marketing major at San Diego State University. She is the oldest child in her family and the first in her family to become a college student. Her transition away from living at home to embarking on a new chapter in her life as a college student has been challenging but rewarding. It has been an exciting time for her, even though complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent correspondence with her mentor and Mentorship Program chair, Karen Langer Baker, Castellanos noted, "Through AAUW, I have gained experiences that are irreplaceable. I have significantly improved my public speaking skills through my three years in AAUW as a mentee. I participated in the Speech Trek competitions each year because it made me feel comfortable with speaking up and initiating conversation."

The AAUW Mentorship Program mentors give support to their mentees as a friend and as a guide, working with their family and teachers to expose them to new experiences and to encourage them to explore careers in fields historically not accessible to women.

Many of the STEM fields (science, technology engineering and math) are underrepresented by women. Castellanos is one of many students who have made lasting memories and long-term friendships through the AAUW Mentorship Program.

AAUW has a long history of supporting women in their career pursuits. Scientist Marie Curie was given a grant by AAUW to purchase her first gram of radium. Her research in the area of radiation eventually earned her and her husband a Nobel Prize.

Many local, state and national women leaders have been participants in AAUW as a way to give educational support for the young women who grow up in their schools. AAUW Fallbrook will celebrate its 75th anniversary in June 2021.

Those interested in joining AAUW in promoting the education of young girls and women, as well as connecting with women of similar interests and background, can contact Young Milton at 760-552-7481 or by e-mail, [email protected].

More information is also available at https://fallbrook-ca.aauw.net.

Submitted by the American Association of University Women – Fallbrook.