Aidan McDonough (he/they) graduated in May of 2024 with a B.A. in Psychology and a Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies. Aidan is a first generation college student who recently finished his application for a Counseling M.S. program with UW-Madison. Aidan is a passionate consumer of movies and music and currently works as an Amazon Delivery Driver which they enjoy!
How does Gender and Women’s Studies/LGBTQ+ studies matter in the day-to-day of your professional life?
The things I learned in the GWS and LGBTQ+ studies programs have been, with no exaggeration, life changing. I recognize ageism, sexism, racism, fatphobia, homophobia, transphobia and more within myself, others, and society at large including in the workplace. I run into people randomly during my work day and meeting them where they are is very important. I am kinder and more attentive to the people that I may have not paid as close attention to, this makes me more plugged in to my community overall. As I run into them I can give them my personal time and energy. All because I can more readily recognize the ways I bring very subtle judgments into my personal and professional worldview. I’m a more flexible thinker and kinder person willing to help more of my coworkers in whatever ways they might need. Very simply put, I’m a better person and I’m more focused on the things that really matter – people, community, and kindness.
Do you have advice for students who may share your interests and may want to pursue a similar graduate degree and/or career?
You get out of your studies what you put into them and it is worth it! The hard work that you do now will pay off in the long run. Don’t be afraid to explore difficult subjects too. The difficult subjects that tie into so many different topics and branches of a discipline usually have the best lessons for you, follow your curiosity and dig! The deeper you go the more gems you’ll find!
What do you remember fondly from the Department of Gender & Women’s Studies? Favorite class? Instructor?
I loved all of the instructors I had for all my GWS and LGBTQ+ classes. I would say my favorite class was Dr. Kate Phelps’ Feminist Theory class because it was so incredibly informative, nuanced, and impartial. We covered waves of the feminist movement from the beginning to present day and I learned a ton that I don’t feel like I could have learned outside of the classroom. The learning was coupled with so many enriching open discussions on the experiences and insights that classmates had which really brought it to the next level for me. The in-class environment was so healthy and people were able to come at a discussion surrounding intense content from very different ideals and be completely amicable.
What, if anything, do you wish you could tell your undergraduate self?
Get involved! Making connections, volunteering, or even hanging out with people from class will help you so much in the real world later. Don’t miss out on the opportunities you have now! However, make sure you are taking care of yourself, getting good sleep, good food, and making time for your life outside of academics.