Isis

Interview #19 - Betty aka Isis

The first time I met Betty I thought, “Wow. I want to be like her when I grow up!” Yes, I realize that I’m getting a bit old to say that but I am a big believer in shooting for ALL my dreams which will require learning new things and experiencing new adventures every year of my life.

Betty has so many stories and so much passion! We met recently because we are working together to organize volunteers for a local non-profit event. I assumed she would be an open-hearted person but I was surprised to hear about her lifetime of helping others.

Betty grew up on the East Coast in New Jersey. She described it as an exciting place with a cloud of motivating guilt hanging over it. I was in shock listening to the disadvantages women had that I thankfully can’t imagine. Apparently women were not permitted to enter bars and some restaurants without a “Male Escort”. My eyes grew wide trying to imagine that. She said that it took many years for her to realize that the way women were treated was wrong. They were looked down upon and even when they were in the workforce men looked at them as sex symbols and thought it was their right to have their way with them. She had to fight off more than one inappropriate advance. I can see that she’s been a fighter for a long time. In her early 20s she went to the Big Apple and became a working woman. She went on to travel and landed in Alaska.

Betty worked as a Child Advocate aiding the most disadvantaged and mentally disabled children who were victims of sexual and physical abuse. She also spent years working at a women’s shelter and later became an educator with a rape crisis center. She learned so much about abuse, control and love while spending her time with women in crisis. I can imagine what a profound impact a job of that nature would make. I went through a two week training course at a local women’s shelter and I was completely blown away by the information, statistics and real-life examples that were given. It must be so heartbreaking yet so rewarding and empowering to help those women day in and day out!

Betty is currently a retiree, trying her best to enjoy some downtime. I’m not sure how long that will last though because she is brimming with energy! She goes for a run every morning, she spends time with her lovely husband of 42 years and she volunteers.

I was very excited to soak in all the wisdom and knowledge she offered. If I didn’t have to return to work I’m sure she could’ve chatted all day and told me many more wild stories! Betty’s a believer in karma and with all the good she’s done I’m sure she will be amply rewarded!

I frowned looking at the clock realizing we had to wrap up, “What advice would you give to other people who are going through or recovering from things you’ve experienced?”

“I want women to be more aware. Honor you friendships and please don’t give up your dreams for a man. Support your friends, be a good listener and live the life you’ve dreamed of!”

Thank you Betty for your lifetime of extraordinary help! Please don’t doubt that you have improved the lives of many people. I am in awe of you and will truly strive to be more like you!