Emily Roemer is majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies and Social Welfare. She is getting certificates in Political Science and Public Policy.
- Why did you choose GWS?
I chose GWS because the content, faculty, and student community stimulate my emotional, intellectual, and academic interests and passions. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our department, GWS allows students to pursue any interest they may have. I have taken GWS classes on research methods, feminist theory, care, body politics, indigeneity, racial capitalism, and more. In these classes, topics can range from macro-level systems of oppression to specific aspects of daily life. Everyone can find their niche in the field, which is why I love GWS so much. Being a GWS major was the best and easiest decision I’ve made during my college career!
- Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?
As someone involved in community organizing on and off campus (specifically advocacy for a Free Palestine), GWS has completely changed the way I understand issues, show up in political spaces, and approach coalition building. My GWS courses have primed me to always consider who is most marginalized and should be centered in a given issue, what systems of domination and privilege are at play, and how to build strong and principled coalitions. Trying to mobilize people in such an exhausting political climate can be difficult but GWS has taught me that it is work worth doing.
- How has GWS shaped your future plans?
GWS has very explicitly influenced my future plans, as I intend to apply to grad school in gender/women/feminist/sexuality studies after graduating in the spring. With this, I plan to both continue organizing and hopefully stay in academia. The GWS classroom is my favorite place to be! My professors have my dream job! I want to continue learning and researching alongside feminists for as long as possible.