#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Jacey Spaeth

Today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman and I have a few fun things in common. We both attend (or in my case attended, past tense) the University of North Dakota, both are members of Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity for women, and both work to empower people (especially women) to live their fullest lives. And yes, we both appreciate a pan of piping hot pizza rolls.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to real life Wonder Woman…Jacey Spaeth!

KR: Please tell us about what brings you joy and fulfillment–your work, your passions, your dreams.

JS: I feel that I am my best self when I am able to help others. I love being able to share new knowledge with someone that might help them along their path of life. After all, knowledge is power.

This is why I am so excited to get my degree in Public Health Education. I want to be able to educate others on their health so that they can lead a better life.

After I graduate in the Fall of 2021, I will hopefully continue my education to a Master of Public Health Education. With my degree I want to start a career in Maternal and Child health advocating for improved sexual health and education. This is something I am deeply passionate about because sexual health is a big determinant of health and wellness. Our society looks at sex as a taboo topic and because of this many go without the proper knowledge of disease and pregnancy prevention. I can’t wait to become an advocate for health education and start a career helping others feel safe in their sexuality. Giving someone the power of knowledge so that they can make their own informed decisions is so impactful.

KR: We all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?

JS: There are definitely a lot of things I’m not great at or lessons that I still have to learn, but I would say one of my superpowers is being able to have empathy for others. It’s always been a goal of mine to make sure that I listen to others and try to understand where they are coming from or why they are feeling a certain way. No matter how big or small, we all are dealing with an internal struggle. I want the people I come across to know that I’m listening. I hear their ideas, their thoughts, their pain and that it is valid. Sometimes that’s all people need to get through the day, is just to hear that they aren’t crazy or alone. If I can comfort someone, I feel I’ve done something worthwhile.

KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?

JS: I hope it is not too cliché to pick my mom as my true wonder woman, but there is no one more fitted for the job. For as long as I can remember, my mom has showed my sister and I what it means to be a strong independent woman. I have always been taught that I can do anything if I set my mind to it. She has always pushed me to shoot for the stars and be the best that I can be, but not to forget to help others along the way. My mom’s true superhero power is showing kindness to everyone no matter their shape, size, gender, color etc. Being an elementary teacher, she has always used the golden rule, “treat others how you want to be treated.” As one of her students, I use this lesson every day and try to be half the women she is. To be selfless. To be loving. To be kind. It is because of my mom that I am who I am today and I am forever grateful for her.

KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?

JS: I think my super-human power would be to fly or telekinesis. How amazing would it be to fly around and visit beautiful places? I think the first place I would visit would be Bali or Brazil and everywhere in between.

KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?

JS: I love to read. I love hanging out with friends and having good conversations. Nothing feels better than girl talk. I love to be outside around the trees where I can breathe. I truly feel that I am happiest when I am able to connect with nature. Swimming, hiking, biking. I love them all.

KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 16-year-old self?

JS: I feel like there is a million things I would want to say to my 16-year old self such as don’t start drinking coffee 3 times a day or that you maybe pizza rolls shouldn’t be your main source of nutrition. All jokes aside, I would tell myself that it’s okay to fail. You aren’t any less than if you mess up, it’s who you are. You are not the first person to fail and you won’t be the last. Fail hard and fail often because the more you do, the better the person you will become. Nobody is perfect so don’t be so hard on yourself. Pick yourself up and learn from your mistakes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

I agree to these terms.