GWS Student Spotlight – Bella Ferak

Bella Ferak is double-majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies and Journalism.

  1. Why did you choose GWS?
    I chose Gender & Women’s Studies to immerse myself in narratives often erased from common curricula. Armed with the desire to see myself and my communities reflected in an academic course, I found the courses to be representative, relevant, and educational in relation to current events and modern culture.
  2. Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?
    Gender & Women’s studies has given me more than just the tools to discuss feminist theory: It has taught me to develop critical thinking skills in novel ways, enact accountability, and to face uncharted territory with confidence and determination. Furthermore, the major requires a deep understanding of today’s culture as it continues to evolve, as well as applying past works to best inform and contextualize modern pedagogy.
  3. How has GWS shaped your future plans?
    As I pursue a career in broadcast journalism, Gender & Women’s Studies has inspired me to create a more inclusive media landscape by bringing the voices of marginalized communities to the forefront of today’s social, economic, and political discourse. I plan to hone my efforts in investigative, bottom-up reporting to deliver the most raw, accurate, and human stories — from Wisconsin and beyond.