Sadie Reilly is majoring in Psychology and getting a certificate in Gender & Women’s Studies.
- Why did you choose GWS?
Growing up in a household that was different from what much of society has set as the “norm,” issues of intersectionality, advocacy and education have always been important to me. Coming into college, I knew that I wanted a job and an education that would allow me to work in the mental health field, but from an intersectional approach, and an education that would ensure I implement the framework of intersectional advocacy to everything I do. In my freshman year of college I took GWS 103, otherwise known as Gender, Women, Bodies, and Health as my first ever GWS course, and from there I became passionate about it being an integral part of my degree. GWS 103 was the first class in which I felt I could become educated not just about my own experience, but to learn first-hand from others of their lived experiences.It was a community of people who wanted to learn from one another, grow in education and advocacy, and foster an environment of important conversations that many people avoid. I chose GWS not just because of the wonderful education it provides and the community of wildly intelligent and hard-working people, but also because I feel as someone who wants to go into the mental health field especially, it is my duty to educate myself on important topics such as disparities in the healthcare system, LGBTQIA+ rights and history, Women’s rights/history, and issues of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, orientation or any other aspect of identity.
- Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?
Since becoming part of the GWS program here on campus, my involvement and overall approaches to involvement have changed radically. Coming into college, I was unsure of where I would fit in, or whether I would have the means and education to do advocacy work during my time here. Becoming a part of the GWS program has allowed me to become aware of and broaden my knowledge of the Radical Feminist Framework, Critical Race Frameworks, Intersectional Frameworks/Advocacy. These frameworks have all allowed me to feel like I can not only be involved in the education of my fellow peers, but further, the education of community members.
Following my first year of college, I worked as part of a grassroots organization with a focus on community-based collaboration and education. It was my passion for, and education by the GWS department here on campus that pushed me to become involved in this program. This program ultimately helped me gain such valuable experience in community organizing, education and collaboration that I have since found a way to be involved in similar groups every year since. Additionally, my education in GWS has taught me how to recognize my privilege, own it and use it to aid others, while simultaneously understanding where I am disadvantaged and recognizing where and how I might ask others for help. GWS helps us to grow and foster a community in which we lift one another up, learn from one another, and not only understand this in an educational setting but learn how to translate it into our communities.
- How has GWS shaped your future plans?
Starting college, I knew that whatever I ended up doing, I wanted it to relate to mental health and I wanted to provide mental health care at an accessible level for all. Taking GWS classes opened my eyes to just exactly what type of mental health care and advocacy for mental health is needed (especially in today’s climate). GWS has helped me to reaffirm my passion for community organizing and advocacy, as well as my passion for providing accessible mental health care for all.
Additionally, when considering what type of facility I would like to work in, I was largely unsure of where I wanted to be a mental health provider. The education I have received in the GWS department so far (and will continue to receive), have helped me to realize that I would like to work in a community-based and/or non-profit setting.
It isn’t just my future goals that GWS helped shape though, my coursework (and the support that I have received while in my coursework) has helped me to grow in my confidence and my abilities. I have learned the value of “just one” person’s advocacy work, which helped me to grow in confidence of my future plans, especially when I felt like I couldn’t make an impact as one person. GWS can not only help you to define your future plans (as it did for me), but it can help to grow skills and knowledge that will allow you to go after the goals you hope to pursue.