Christine Schadler
Department of Natural Resources
How she finds balance in her life:
- Mother of two children
- Partner who has been supportive and helpful in balancing work and home
- Being an educator means that your work is never really done
Joys and Challenges of Being A Woman:
"There is no right way to live as a woman."
Grew up in the '60s and witnessed women who were content to be housewives but struggled with their identities amidst the women's liberation movement; many were content with their lives, but felt they had to be liberated, resulting in unhappiness for these women; fortunately today women are more comfortable with themselves, in whatever their role.
Christine has served as a role model for women as UNH; she prides herself on being accessible to both men and women.
She believes strongly that the world has never needed the more feminine traits that women possess than today; women should not compromise their more feminine traits to fit into a male dominated corporate world. Men need to encourage women to be the best they can be and to be themselves.
"Because I am a woman, I don't want anyone to dismiss what I say..."
Feels like her credibility and effectiveness needs to be 110% so others won't marginalize or dismiss what she says. Women do not enjoy the same status as men.
Hopes and Dreams For Others
"People do have an innate desire to connect with the natural world"
Her hope is that this generation will receive education that will promote motivation and a desire to be compassionate and humane in their connection with the earth.
People are naturally struck by nature; somehow this gets lost as we grow up;
There is a dullness or insensitivity and lack of engagement on the part of too many people in their connection to our earth; She has seen some people in their later years return once again to their relationship with the earth -- giving up guns for gardening, for example.
Passionate About...
"Nature."
Didn't have the courage to do something about things that troubled her in her '20s and '30s; feels compelled to do something about it now.
"Live life with great joy rather than with deep concern... the joy of being alive is contagious and more easily spread than gloom, foreboding and darkness."
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