Becca Enos is majoring in Psychology and getting a certificate in Gender & Women’s Studies.
- Why did you choose GWS?
I took my first GWS class with Dr. Kate Phelps in the spring of 2021, and it shifted my entire perspective of the world around me. GWS broadened my understanding of how the systems we live within are built, sustained, and reformed. As I enrolled in more courses, my commitment to learning and challenging my own biases grew. I firmly believe that my GWS education has deeply impacted how I understand my identity, navigate relationships, and engage with my own and other’s lived experiences. - Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?
During my final semester at UW, I enrolled in the GWS 660 Internship course, which gave me the opportunity to apply my GWS background in a community-based setting. My coursework equipped me with an intersectional lens and a strong understanding of the systemic barriers affecting local communities. This foundation has helped me approach my internship work with cultural humility, empathy, and a deep commitment to advocacy. I’ve been better able to support community members and foster inclusive, affirming spaces that promote growth and change. -
How has GWS shaped your future plans?
Leading with a commitment to equity and justice, developed through my time in GWS, I applied and was accepted into graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. GWS has given me the tools to think critically about the relationship between identity and mental health at the intersections of privilege, stigma, and access. It’s also instilled in me a passion for understanding how people grow and heal, especially during moments of discomfort or uncertainty, and how the systems we live in can either support or obstruct that process.