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Viewpoint

comparisons to her own culture’s family relationships and traditions, politics, and
economics. On one occasion, she attended a student’s wedding. In China, the bride’s
wedding gown is red, which represents honor, success, loyalty, fertility, and love. She
took the opportunity to share her American wedding traditions with her students.
Returning to the United States in her 80s, Todd
Retire when ready, authored her book, Never Too Old to Climb Walls,
rest a bit, then in 2007 (Broughton & Dotson, 2021). Todd’s book
is basically a travelogue of her teaching, living,
venture out into and experiencing cultural events in China. She

provided descriptions of Chinese culture, cuisine,
the world to share, and travels during her stay from 1988–2001.
Todd made full use of her educational
teach, and learn. background, organizational skills, ability to

motivate others, and willingness to serve in
multiple capacities both pre- and postretirement
(Broughton & Dotson, 2021). Never letting age or distance prevent her from
doing what she was experienced in doing, educated to do, and passionate
about, Todd continued to climb walls and show others how to do so.

The Lesson
No matter the “walls” we face—age, religion, language, distance, living
conditions—one can continue teaching and learning as long as one has the tenacity,
perseverance, and intrinsic motivation to do so. As women educators, we all
have a similar opportunity to impact education worldwide if we choose that path.
Equally important, we also have an opportunity to carve our niche locally to enrich
and enhance those in our own areas. The point is to open our eyes and minds to
the opportunities that truly abound. Use the skills that have been honed over a
lifetime and make the lives of those we touch better for having known us. Martha
Sue Todd is one example, but you and I can be another. Whether the path forward
lies in supporting early-career educators in your local community or the Schools
for Africa project, it is never too late to find one’s own unique path to service.
It seems the legacy of the Martha Sue Todds of the world is clear: Retire
when ready, rest a bit, then venture out into the world to share, teach, and
learn. Explore the cultures and customs of others while sharing those unique
to you. Share your passion for teaching, and empower and inspire students,
touching lives in a positive way and making the world a better place.

Dr. Kaye Bennett Dotson, Associate Professor/Internship Director and past Program Director for
the Library Science Program at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, is a member
and past president (2018–2019) of Beta Upsilon Chapter of North Carolina State Organization. She
recently published The Value of Games: Putting Play Back into Practice for Children. dotsonkaye@
gmail.com

Dr. Phyllis J. Broughton is retired Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, Martin Community
College, Williamston, North Carolina, and currently a Teaching Assistant Professor of Adult
Education at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. She is a member and current
chapter president of Beta Upsilon Chapter of North Carolina State Organization. broughtonp@ecu.
edu; pbrought123@gmail.com

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