Selah Cole is majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies and Psychology.
- Why did you choose GWS?
My interest in GWS was first sparked during my freshman year in a first-year interest group (FIG) on the history of activism through gender and LGBTQ studies. That course introduced me to powerful figures who fought for equality and liberation during times when such ideals seemed impossible, like the Jim Crow era. Learning about their resilience and defiance made me feel empowered because it was like uncovering history that had been hidden from me. Engaging in open discussions with my peers, exchanging diverse viewpoints, and analyzing readings and videos deepened my understanding of how identity, race, and gender intersect in shaping lived experiences. Through GWS, I’ve learned to redefine terms and ideas I once took for granted, and to think critically about the narratives we inherit. This field has been transformative for me, providing access to knowledge that has long been marginalized and giving me the language to engage with issues of justice, representation, and liberation in a meaningful way that relates to me. - Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?
Yes, before taking GWS courses, I saw activism and social awareness as something separate from my daily life. I now recognize that these values are connected to everything, from the organizations I join to the conversations I have with peers. GWS has encouraged me to approach campus spaces with a more critical and inclusive mindset, making sure that discussions around identity, equity, and representation are part of the work I do. It has also shaped how I engage off campus, helping me notice how gender and race intersect in my community and inspiring me to challenge biases when I see them. Overall, GWS has transformed my involvement into something more intentional and reflective, grounded in the belief that small actions can contribute to broader social change. - How has GWS shaped your future plans?
Gender and Women’s Studies has had a major impact on shaping my future plans. I am now a double major in GWS and Psychology because of how transformative my experiences in GWS courses have been. Through this field, I’ve learned to see how systems of power, identity, and intersectionality shape every aspect of people’s lives, especially in mental health. Psychology often focuses on statistics and general patterns, which can overlook the lived experiences and intersecting identities that influence how individuals experience the world. My GWS education has made it my mission to bring this awareness into my future work as a mental health provider. I want to approach each patient as a whole person, not just as data or symptoms, and to recognize the ways race, gender, class, and sexuality affect their well-being. GWS has taught me that true care requires empathy, awareness, and a commitment to challenging bias, which are values that I plan to carry into every part of my professional life.