While growing up, some of my major influences came from women. This started from my conception, with my mother who carried me in her womb for nine painful months. I found that bond right away as well as a connection that brought us close together. This included my senior year of high school at Central Catholic. I was chosen to be the main speaker at the mother-and-son brunch, an annual event to show my appreciation for everything that my mother stood for as a woman.

It has always fascinated me how much women have had an impact in my life, including my mother, my sister, teachers, classmates, co-workers and especially girlfriends throughout my young life. All have played a huge role and helped mold me into the person I am today.

	Jon Fuccillo

I was always that young boy who wasn’t afraid of “cooties” and getting close to girls, building relationships with them ever since I can remember. I remember times growing up and having more friends who were girls than guys.

I was taught by my mother to respect women as much as possible and to always view them on the same wavelength as guys.

As a male in today’s society, I am proud to say my mother is truly my best friend and someone I can share everything with, something that a lot of people can’t relate to with their mothers. I am proud to say that because of women like my mother, this world is a better place. She has taught me everything I know about being a man and respecting women to the fullest.

Women’s “herstory” should not just be celebrated one month out of the year. It should be celebrated the entire year, meaning 12 months of women’s “herstory” to reflect on the women in history instead of just focusing on the men who have accomplished major achievements.

During my first year at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Ariz., I took a sociology course called Gender in Society, a course that I was frustrated with for almost the entire semester because it felt like a “women in society” course. Then I realized the importance of women throughout history and thought to myself that all men who are going to college, young and old, should take a course like this. It showed the hardship that women have struggled with and overcome throughout history. Even today, women are looked down upon in our own very nation, not to mention the treatment they receive in third world countries, where some women are treated like filthy animals.

Women have come through a lot of adversity and are still fighting for rights throughout the world. I look at all women with a smile and thank God each day for creating such beautiful human beings.

Women’s herstory has been a great experience for me as a male to reflect on the women who have inspired me throughout my lifetime. I hope that all males have the same appreciation for women.

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