Growth by Gabrielle

Growth by Gabrielle - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

The word “feminist” comes with a slew of connotations that provoke immediate judgement. Whether you’re for or against it, almost everyone seems to have an opinion that immediately shapes their perception of feminism. Those who aren’t suddenly struck with feverish support or denial of the feminist movement when it’s brought up have a similar view that I once held: one of indifference and suspicion. Once I met Camilla, my presumptions slowly but surely progressed into understanding and sympathy.
I’d like to say I was quickly transformed into an avid supporter of the cause that I eventually realized affects us all, but really it took months of logic and kindness that soon didn’t make anything but sense to me. Camilla was the president of our high school’s small but fierce G.E.A.R. Club, or the Gender Equality and Rights Club. The long, clunky name actually helped narrow down what feminism is really about, easing me in to a situation I was initially indifferent to. I joined the club out of friendship with Camilla and a need to look well-rounded for college. While I was supportive of ‘girl power’ and whatnot, this small band of casually confident girls intimidated and both engrossed me. Upon first impression they seemed raucous, easily slipping into tirades about the daily misogyny they saw on campus and in their lives. This all came off as overwhelming to me- were these girls really validated in their complaints or were they just attention-seekers? How could I, just some sophomore new to the school, keep up with their lofty discussions on inequality in our community? I was torn between skepticism and inadequacy in my interactions with the girls, and despite their friendliness I couldn’t help but feel out of place in the group.
Despite my apprehension, I kept attending meetings. I eventually started identifying with the feminist cause and I soon began jumping up as eagerly as they had, contributing to informed debates and trying to spread the word to our campus as much as we could. I had transitioned from a bystander to an active member of the club. I loved everything about it. The girls became lasting friends, the sponsors became funny and compassionate mentors, the volunteering we did became the highlights of my extracurricular life, and the discussions we had became an open forum to express my ideas and learn from everyone around me. This was all accomplished through the subtle and accepting demeanors of my fellow club members. They never pushed me to accept their ideas, they never criticized me for my initial skepticism. They remained friendly and open-minded as I gradually acquiesced to their endeavor.
We pioneered together like a misfit band of warriors, tromping through the halls plastering posters anywhere we could and recruiting members left and right. I felt connected to modern events, to my community, and to something bigger than myself. The G.E.A.R. Club eliminated the stigma placed on the word ‘feminism’ and it became an ideal that I believed in and tried to support any way I could. The club inspired me to point out misogyny all around me. I would see my own friends shame other girls for their dating choices, the clothes they wore, and anything else. I caught effortless insults from both genders, constantly putting down women, and men for acting anything like them. I realized my peers weren’t inherently malicious, they were conditioned by societal expectations and their own ignorance to propagate misogyny. I was shocked and upset that our high school held such old-fashioned and conservative ideals damaging to the very young women it served to elevate into productive members of society. How could my own school be adverse to something I couldn’t see as anything other than truth? What would that mean for my generation as it moved up in the world? I decided that the current mentality of the school wasn’t one I wanted to be a part of so I made up my mind to help however I could. I helped make posters to raise awareness on a whole range of issues affecting the young people around me from gender inequality in the media, transphobia, and sexism to racism, and unequal opportunities. I volunteered to help support women in my community for organizations dedicated to suicide prevention, breast cancer awareness, supporting local businesses, and more that helped serve oppressed women. My favorite part of my newfound cause was always learning more and engaging others. I recruited more of my friends this year and we endeavored on a journey to not only speak up about the injustices we faced, but to be informed about them. I printed out articles, shared photos, discussed hot button topics, and watched more TED Talks than I can count. I made it my duty to learn as much as I could about feminism. I refused to be that wild “feminazi” that many of my peers immediately perceived us to be. I refused to be that follower who just complains about anything. I made an effort to become informed, and by doing so I work everyday to correct and have rational talks about equality in my school, which I truly feel that little by little, will make an impact and spread to help our generation be one taking steps forward towards a better future.