Radium Girls

by D.W. Gregory

Nipomo High School — 2014

So often throughout history the contributions women make in our society are overlooked, understated, taken for granted, or rewritten to tragic consequences. This tale is no insignificant sampling of this pattern of neglect, highlighting the sacrifices of women whose ambition was admirable in a growing society full of hope; whose love for each other grew a community both within themselves and without their professions was undeniable; and whose faith in humanity was horrendously abused. Not only is their loss regrettable, avoidable, and a blight on the rise of our corporate strength as a nation, but the mismanagement of the dangers they faced and the deaths they suffered brings into sharp relief an unhesitating lack of accountability inherent in the patriarchy, which we can only hope will come to a radical transformation soon. It just can’t come soon enough. Within these walls will enter women sure of their place in society, locked in their ambition, and with eyes open enough to see opportunities to hold people to account.