When I was a sophomore at F&M, I joined a chemistry research lab for the first time. Dr. Marcus Thomsen was so intimidating and knowledgeable, and I had no idea what I was doing. He introduced me to a senior student named Libby Bent (I think her real name was Elizabeth). Libby showed me around the lab. She knew where everything was from beakers to chemicals. Every question I had about the research I was conducting, Libby had the answer. I was awestruck by how smart and confident she was. For that whole year, everything I needed to know, I asked Libby. After some time in the lab, I eventually learned how to conduct experiments and where to find what I needed. A couple of years later, a young sophomore student joined our lab. Her name escapes me at the moment, but now, she was asking me for a tour and how to find everything she needed. Now I was the one with all the answers. All of a sudden, I was the one with the knowledge and confidence. I realized, "I had become Libby Bent!" This was the first time in my life I realized I had achieved something that I had aspired to become. I didn't even know I was trying to achieve it. Turns out, I have "Become Libby Bent" many times in my life - that is, I've reached many milestones of accomplishment that I have aspired to become simply by working hard and surrounding myself with strong, capable women. You don't always know exactly what your goals are. But you will achieve great things in your life. Don't forget to stop and thank those who came before you. Thanks Libby!!!
-Dr. Stephanie Katz, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Villanova University
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