Compensation was provided by Zenni Optical. Opinions expressed herein are the author’s and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Zenni.
Like most kids who went to public school, almost all of my teachers were women. For the most part, I had great teachers. Since I grew up in a rural mountain town you’d think I’d get sub-par schoolin’ in our little schools, but looking back I see how really excellent it was.
My high school turned out the highest number of National Merit finalists per capita for years. Pretty good for a school with lockers from the 50s and ratty band uniforms.
One of the secrets were the inspiring women who were our teachers. I won’t say their methods were old-fashioned, but I bet kids in sophomore English class today are still reading at least three classic novels each semester, still reading Julius Caesar aloud in class, still diagramming sentences.
My sophomore English teacher was Ms. Lewis. She was no-nonsense, hated the smell of grape gum, and was smart as hell. She didn’t take excuses, and obviously loved teaching. She taught with fire. “Here’s a list of words most people spell wrong–but you will never spell them wrong again,” and then the chalk slashed on the board–sophOmore, sepArate, their, there, they’re.”
Ms. Lewis wore glasses on a chain around her neck, but on her it looked intellectual, not frumpy. In the era of big, round 80s glasses, hers were tortoiseshell with a slight cat’s eye.
Looking through old pictures of myself, I see my glasses before and during high school as average. They were expensive because they had to have glass lenses, and limited in style because of my strong prescription. Sturdy. Pastel. Owlish.
Since glasses have advanced, I can now have light plastic lenses in any style I want. Looking at my last three pairs of glasses I see they are all tortoiseshell, some with a slight cat’s eye. I consider that, and my ability to still diagram sentences, as a tribute to Ms. Lewis.
Giveaway
I’m working with Zenni Optical to a give away a gift card for one pair of glasses up to $150.
Women leaders are everywhere. They see the big picture for success – for themselves or others – and have the courage and strength to get the job done. Zenni Optical recognizes the positive impact these women make in all our lives and would like to honor their strength through the gift of stylish and affordable eyewear so that everyone can see and appreciate these achievements and talents clearly.
Zenni Optical pioneered the online prescription eyewear business in 2003 to help people find fashionable glasses and sunglasses for every occasion for $50 or less – which includes single-vision prescription lenses. With its curated collections and literally thousands of frames, Zenni offers the most options for affordable premium prescription eyewear for women, men and kids.
If you’ve heard of people talking about the place online where they got great glasses at an amazing price, it was Zenni Optical.
To be entered to win, leave a comment below telling me a woman who inspires you, or your favorite pair of glasses at Zenni Optical.
Limit one entry per household. To enter, you must be 18 or over and a US resident. Void where prohibited. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Prize fulfillment is through the PR firm, and not Midlife Boulevard.
Anne Parris
Anne Parris is a managing partner Midlife Boulevard. Her personal blog, Not A Supermom, is your typical mommy blog that her kids say used to be funnier. Anne has a business degree and a dusty résumé from a top accounting firm and a Fortune 500 company, which she reminds herself of every time she is washing underpants. She lives with her family in Virginia and blogs mostly to support her coffee habit.
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suzanne
Tuesday 14th of June 2016
Both of my sister-in-laws are inspiring to me. And my favorite glasses are Stylish Rectangular Eyeglasses 103121.
Kathleen Buckley
Monday 13th of June 2016
It seems there are too many inspirational women in my tribe to pull out just one, but I'll give a great big shout out to my BFF since sixth grade. She has been a working mom for twenty-three years and never missed a beat, not even when her youngest was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at 16. Her attitude, love, and faith got her through it. Even in her darkest days, she always had a kind word for anyone who needed it. Love you Janie!
Michelle C
Monday 13th of June 2016
My grandmother has always inspired me. She had a difficult life, but has always kept a positive attitude. She loved learning and was always generous about teaching her skills to anyone who was interested. She encouraged me to excel in school and was so supportive when I decided to return to college after having kids.
Sylvie Parris
Monday 13th of June 2016
My late grandmother, who passed away at age 101, on January 2. She grew up helping support her mother, acting and singing in local vaudeville. She was a war wife, as her physician husband served during ww2. She was a huge patron of the arts, instilling a love for music, theater and the visual arts in her children and grandchildren as well as generations of music lovers in Jacksonville Florida. After her husband died, she went back to college becoming the oldest college graduate at her school that year, at age 79. She sewed, crocheted or knitted countless items, almost all of which she gave away. She was a gifted story teller and earned the love and respect of all she met
I've said I want to grow up to be like her. I can't think of a better woman to emulate.
Haralee
Monday 13th of June 2016
I wear only Zenni Glasses as does my husband and one of my good friends. For the reasonable price I buy at least one new pair every year. I wear lined bifocals and the frame choices are terrific. I have had so many women mentors whether I realized it or not at the time, I do now!