‘Never Grow A Wishbone, Daughter, Where Your Backbone Ought To Be’

BY PATTYL APOSHIAN KASPARIAN

Journalist Clementine Paddleford uttered these magical words in 1920’s. Years later, my mother imparts the same guidance to me. From one proud ARS member to another.
In this modernized world, women serve as pillars of strength—bearing the weight of so many responsibilities. From motherhood to corporate life to volunteer hours, today’s woman does it all.
The days of wishing for a better tomorrow have disappeared. Today, we are empowered to make choices– to take the helm and control our path. Women have found comfort and strength in the shared vision of the Armenian Relief Society—a woman’s organization dedicated to the social and educational needs of the Armenian community.
2010 is declared the Year of the Woman by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. And, rightfully so! 2010 is also a year of merriment as the ARS celebrates its 100th Anniversary. The power of the ARS does not lie in brick and mortar. It does not lie in a multi-billion dollar endowment fund. It does not lie in New York based public relation corporations. The power and strength of the ARS lies in its human capital—the 15,000 members all over the world who work without borders toward the mission and vision of the ARS.
The ARS means many things to many people. The ARS has served the needy, the dependent, the wounded, and the proud. The ARS has served millions of people for 100 years. For me, the ARS serves as a network which brings dynamic women together to discuss the social, economic, domestic, cultural and business needs of our people.
As a member of the ARS, I am proud to be amongst the best and the brightest and congratulate my organization and its 15,000 members for 100 years of service!