I had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable Paula Tungay, affectionately known as the "Mother Dragon" among the Drakondale community. Mrs. Tungay shared her insights, experiences, and wisdom, offering guidance not only to the young people of Drakondale but to young people everywhere.
Early Roots and Lessons:
Paula Tungay's journey began with a deep-rooted passion for environmental conservation. As a child, she explored the natural world around her, sparking her curiosity and eventually leading her to a career in environmental science. Her grandmother's words, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world," resonated strongly with her, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and staying true to one's beliefs.
The Power of Balance:
One of the key lessons Mrs. Tungay imparts is finding a balance between strength and compassion. She emphasizes the wisdom of "catching more flies with honey than with vinegar". In a world that sometimes glorifies aggression, her message is a reminder that true strength lies in kindness and empathy.
Challenges and Gender Equity:
Discussing challenges she faced as a woman in her field, Mrs. Tungay acknowledged the presence of gender bias. She stressed the importance of persevering, believing in oneself, and seeking knowledge and mentorship to overcome these obstacles.
Empowering Women Beyond Drakondale:
Mrs. Tungay sees women as masters of their destinies and believes that they have a profound impact on society. Her advice for women beyond Drakondale is to acknowledge their strengths, avoid vindictiveness, and take pride in being women. Their influence extends far beyond their immediate circles.
The Future of Drakondale:
Looking forward, Mrs. Tungay envisions Drakondale as a place where lush gardens and vibrant playing fields foster a spirit of camaraderie and competition. She recognizes the role of sports in helping young people release tension and learn to compete without being malicious.
A Passion for Poetry:
Aside from her advocacy and conservation efforts, Mrs. Tungay has a deep love for poetry. She expressed her enjoyment of reading poetry and shared one of her favorites, "Tarantella" by Hilaire Belloc. She emphasizes the importance of reciting it with rhythm, a testament to her appreciation for the arts.
The Unseen Charities:
Mrs. Tungay's charitable work extends to animals. Growing up on a farm in Ireland, she cared for horses and other animals and participated in distributing puppies for the hunt. Her love for animals and her commitment to their welfare are a testament to her compassionate nature.
Parting Words Mrs. Tungay encourages mothers to empower their daughters with knowledge, awareness, and self-reliance. She believes that women have the power to shape their destinies and influence the world positively. Her message, "Mistresses of our destiny" serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Paula Tungay's words and life experiences inspire us all to embrace our strengths, show kindness, and lead by example in our pursuit of a more equitable world.
Author credit: Yvonne Lecordier