Elizabeth Lesher

SCRIBO is a creative writing contest for students of Latin . Submissions are judged on adherence to theme , connection to Roman culture , originality , and choice of vocabulary , among other categories . SCRIBO entries that receive a perfect score will be published throughout the following year . Each entry features information about the author , a picture , and their awardwinning literary piece .

Elizabeth Lesher is a rising junior at Newton Country Day School in Newton , MA . She has been studying Latin since 7th grade and enjoys translating the work of Cicero and Lucretius , among others . She is active in her school ' s Model UN program and is passionate about using her skills in STEM to contribute to positive changes in the world .

About the piece : In my piece , I try to capture the life of a wealthy young girl coming of age in ancient Rome . While during her childhood she was treated rather equally to her male counterparts , her life changes drastically when she comes of age and will be married . She knows that girls such as her are used by men as assets and as a way of acquiring political or economic benefits . The girl initially views women such as the Vestal Virgins and female gladiators as her role models , but she comes to realize that even women who are in the public view have their own impediments and shortcomings as a result of the patriarchal society . Although this story isn ’ t a happy one , it illustrates the hardships women — even those of the upper class — would face in their daily lives .

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