Highlighting Inspiring Women: She fights for others

Throughout March, which is Women’s History Month, the North Iowa Times-Clayton County Register is again publishing a series of articles highlighting local women. Whether it’s through their careers, hobbies, volunteer efforts or unique personalities, these women have become an inspiration to others.

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

Ruby Koeller likes to collect stickers. The MFL MarMac freshman has them plastered on her laptop and phone case, and enjoys sharing them with others. 

She’s even made her own, using double-sided tape and card stock.

“It’s fun to make because then you don’t just have to use a pre-made design. You can make it your own,” she said.

The appeal of stickers, Ruby noted, is that they can “start discussion with just a little piece of paper.”

All Ruby’s stickers reflect her personality or values.

She holds up one showing a woman’s silhouette and white scripted letters inside. “My mom always tells me this. It’s a Ruth Bader Ginsburg quote: ‘Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.’”

“I also just have some fists—LGBTQ, white, black,” she continued. “I think the most beautiful thing about the human race is inclusivity. As soon as we start to include everybody and love everybody—I don’t even think it has to do with politics. It has to do with loving the person beside you.”

Ruby moves on to another sticker supporting the LGBTQ community, followed by one that states, “Women’s rights are human rights,” an apt addition considering it’s Women’s History Month, she said.

“Then, of course, Black Lives Matter.”

A sticker similar to this, along with a quote by the aforementioned RBG, was on Ruby’s laptop computer several weeks ago when a fellow student ripped them off.

For Ruby, the experience was eye opening.

“I didn’t know it was making people so upset, but I guess it was,” she said.

Championing causes—and other people—is nothing new for the McGregor teen. Ruby’s oldest brother, Sam, is training to become a police officer.

“I did not think he was going to be a police officer. He comes home and he’s so excited to tell me about his classes and running the mile and how fast he can do it. He just applied for the academy,” she related. “The whole thing this summer really gave cops a bad rep, but I think he is so excited to bring a new outlook. He has a lot of dreams.”

Ruby’s other older brother, Max, is gay. The youngest Koeller siblings, Ty and Layia, are Black.

“I see a lot of diversity every day that a lot of people around here don’t see a lot at all,” said Ruby. “Sometimes it can be hard, and I do have to stand up for them, especially going to a school so small in such a rural community. Sometimes people aren’t so welcome.”

“Last year, Ty was attacked at school on the playground. It was pretty awful,” she recalled. “That’s when I realized this Black Lives Matter stuff just wasn’t in Minneapolis. This is here.”

Ruby said she was around four years old when her parents, Ryan and Tricia, adopted Ty and Layia. 

“I was so excited. You’ve got these new siblings, and they just came to the house one day, and I had two more friends. Immediately, I had a lot of love for them. I can’t imagine life without Ty and Layia,” she shared.

She was nine or 10 when Max came out. Ruby remembers speaking with other kids at school. “People would say, ‘That’s kind of gross.’ But, to me, it didn’t seem weird because that’s how I knew Max. To me, he’s the cool big brother who can sing really well.”

Ruby said growing up in such a diverse household has made her more aware.

“That’s something I’m thankful for because, now it’s 2021, and people are more aware of gay people, of black people. It’s given me a head start,” she remarked. “So many people are just learning this stuff, just becoming open to it. But it’s been my whole life and is just normal.”

While the stickers visibly represent Ruby’s message of inclusivity, she said her voice is her best asset.

“I like talking about things and keeping the conversation rolling,” she shared. “I especially love speech because it’s helped me widen the horizon and not be so scared to talk to other people.  I have such bad anxiety talking in front of people. But I feel like, this past year, it’s really not a choice. You either speak out or grow complacent, and I think that’s really important to remember.”

Ruby admits she sometimes gets caught up in her own ideas. So she steps back to listen to other people’s opinions, even if she doesn’t share them.

“My mom always says, ‘Be assertive, not aggressive,’” said Ruby. “Be assertive in what you’re saying, and also be aware about what you believe, then listen to some other people and get more informed, even if you don’t agree.”

After the sticker event, Ruby was surprised to find support from some unlikely people.

“I had so many people who said, ‘I totally support you, I support your family,’” she explained. “I was blown away with these people who I did not think had the same ideals as me. I was like, ‘Maybe I need to open my mind a little bit to these people.’”

Ruby said she stays on top of current events through social media, and also enjoys discussing topics in Mr. Simon’s Modern American History class. 

“We talk about current events every day for 15 minutes, and a lot of us really look forward to it. It brings up some good conversation,” she said.

She’s not surprised her classmates are so engaged. Ruby sees Gen Z as one of the most educated and outgoing generations.

“I know that, tomorrow, if I go to school and say I’m going to a Black Lives Matter march, that a good majority of people I know would be down for it,” she said. “I think that’s so cool because, even 10 years ago, that wouldn’t have happened. I think we’re a lot stronger and educated than people realize. I think we have a lot to offer, and if adults realize that, we can work together and make things better.”

Ruby said her current teacher, Mr. Simon, is one of her role models, as is her fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Dull. She’s also thankful for her “second family” at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Prairie du Chien, Wis., and praised her friends Rose Grau and Riley Whitney for their inspiration. 

“They are seniors this year and so involved. I’d love to someday be like them,” she said.

One of Ruby’s biggest heroes, though, is her mom.

“I have a sticker here. It says, ‘Empowered women empower women.’ I love that because, when you see women who are truly inspiring and truly make a mark, you know they came from people who are powerful,” she said. “I look up to my mom so much. She’s so strong and always speaking out. I think that’s so cool and I would love to be just like her.”

Looking ahead, Ruby hopes to pursue a career in the medical field, possibly as a nurse practitioner. She also wants to stay involved in social justice issues and, through her compassion, lead by example.

“Speak your mind and make your mark,” she declared. “You only get one life.”