I haven't posted in a while because this semester has been wild. As a quick recap:
- I went to the National Young Feminist Leadership Conference over my spring break in Washington, D.C. It was an incredible experience, albeit a little overwhelming. I met incredibly passionate and wonderful feminists, and, although I wish there was more focus on fighting against sexual assault, I learned so much and met many wonderful professional feminists. I learned that there is such a thing as being a Professional Activist / Feminist, and I have thus made business cards and a LinkedIn, having finally found my right path.
- I spoke on a panel with congresswoman Kuster from New Hampshire about her new bipartisan task force to ending sexual violence on college campuses. What an incredible honor.
- I was honored a fellowship via Campus Compact, so now I am a Campus Compact Newman Fellow for the school year of 2017-2018.
- My organization at PSU, SAVE All (Sexual Assault and Violence Education Alliance), had our spring week of action, full of at least one informative event a day. It was incredibly well-received.
- SAVE All also hosted a Take Back the Night with the Criminal Justice Organization. I spoke as a survivor of sexual assault. If you would like to read my speech, you can read it at this link.
- I also have new social media for my professional activism! Check it out!
Instagram: @paictivist
Twitter:@paictivist
Gmail: paictivist@gmail.com
That's my bragging portion of the post. Now to tie it up in a nice little bow.
Yesterday, a very old friend of mine disclosed some information to me about her sexual assaults. I have known her since I was 9, and I love her very dearly. Hearing about her assault was one of the worst things I've read in a text. Each time somebody discloses information to me, I feel another gut-wrenching motion in my body that this is such a prominent thing in our society. Each time somebody discloses information to me, it further fuels the fire within me about why I do what I do.
I'd like to take the time to thank everybody that has helped me throughout this year. My advisor, Ann McClellan, who has been supporting my feminism and activism since day one. My Peru advisors, Rachelle Lyons, Casey Krafton, and Jessica Dutille, who have supported my community service trip to Peru. Burrett McBee for continually supporting me before he even knew my path, and for taking me under his wing. My advisors of SAVE All, Kristin Stelmok and Marissa Lischinsky, thank you for moderating and meeting with us as many times as you have. My mother, of course, who has somehow cleared the path for me to grow into who I am, before I even knew who I was supposed to be. My father, who has been the strong silent type that reminds me that work ethic is the most important thing. My biological father, who has always taught me that self-promotion and self-indulgence and creativity is necessary. My grandmother, who has always been a fighter. My partner, Mark, for continually supporting me and standing up for me when I'm not around and for being a part of my self-care days. My team, SAVE All, who helps me lead these incredible and beautiful events. It's on Us and Joe Biden, for placing this fight in my head over a year ago. I wouldn't be here without any of you, and I am so thankful to have you all in my life. And lastly, to my best and greatest friends, Rachel Barkowitz, Katie Whitcomb, Christine McElreavy, Emily Holleran, Emily Wadlinger, Monica Hamel, Hannah Teague, Katherine Deruyck, Taylor Garner, Isaiah Gilbert, and Hilary Stewart. You all make me want to continue down this road and continue fighting for you.
Lastly, I'd like to thank all of you. Those of you reading and fighting in your own way, whether that be posting on facebook, or holding meetings. You are all important and you are all valued, and I appreciate you all for paving this pathway with me.
Sexual assault is such a massive problem in this world, and it's deeply rooted within misogyny, and I will always and forever continue this fight. I will fight until all women, LGBTQ+, persons of color, and all other minorities can feel safe within their own skin. Because a body is a home, and we deserve more.
- I went to the National Young Feminist Leadership Conference over my spring break in Washington, D.C. It was an incredible experience, albeit a little overwhelming. I met incredibly passionate and wonderful feminists, and, although I wish there was more focus on fighting against sexual assault, I learned so much and met many wonderful professional feminists. I learned that there is such a thing as being a Professional Activist / Feminist, and I have thus made business cards and a LinkedIn, having finally found my right path.
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| The President of NOW, Terry O'Neill |
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- My organization at PSU, SAVE All (Sexual Assault and Violence Education Alliance), had our spring week of action, full of at least one informative event a day. It was incredibly well-received.
- SAVE All also hosted a Take Back the Night with the Criminal Justice Organization. I spoke as a survivor of sexual assault. If you would like to read my speech, you can read it at this link.
 |
| Part of my team |
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| My speech |
- I also have new social media for my professional activism! Check it out!
Instagram: @paictivist
Twitter:
Gmail: paictivist@gmail.com
That's my bragging portion of the post. Now to tie it up in a nice little bow.
Yesterday, a very old friend of mine disclosed some information to me about her sexual assaults. I have known her since I was 9, and I love her very dearly. Hearing about her assault was one of the worst things I've read in a text. Each time somebody discloses information to me, I feel another gut-wrenching motion in my body that this is such a prominent thing in our society. Each time somebody discloses information to me, it further fuels the fire within me about why I do what I do.
I'd like to take the time to thank everybody that has helped me throughout this year. My advisor, Ann McClellan, who has been supporting my feminism and activism since day one. My Peru advisors, Rachelle Lyons, Casey Krafton, and Jessica Dutille, who have supported my community service trip to Peru. Burrett McBee for continually supporting me before he even knew my path, and for taking me under his wing. My advisors of SAVE All, Kristin Stelmok and Marissa Lischinsky, thank you for moderating and meeting with us as many times as you have. My mother, of course, who has somehow cleared the path for me to grow into who I am, before I even knew who I was supposed to be. My father, who has been the strong silent type that reminds me that work ethic is the most important thing. My biological father, who has always taught me that self-promotion and self-indulgence and creativity is necessary. My grandmother, who has always been a fighter. My partner, Mark, for continually supporting me and standing up for me when I'm not around and for being a part of my self-care days. My team, SAVE All, who helps me lead these incredible and beautiful events. It's on Us and Joe Biden, for placing this fight in my head over a year ago. I wouldn't be here without any of you, and I am so thankful to have you all in my life. And lastly, to my best and greatest friends, Rachel Barkowitz, Katie Whitcomb, Christine McElreavy, Emily Holleran, Emily Wadlinger, Monica Hamel, Hannah Teague, Katherine Deruyck, Taylor Garner, Isaiah Gilbert, and Hilary Stewart. You all make me want to continue down this road and continue fighting for you.
Lastly, I'd like to thank all of you. Those of you reading and fighting in your own way, whether that be posting on facebook, or holding meetings. You are all important and you are all valued, and I appreciate you all for paving this pathway with me.
Sexual assault is such a massive problem in this world, and it's deeply rooted within misogyny, and I will always and forever continue this fight. I will fight until all women, LGBTQ+, persons of color, and all other minorities can feel safe within their own skin. Because a body is a home, and we deserve more.
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