Students Speaking Out on Campus by Blogger Jade

When you are a college student, it may seem like the ‘real world’ is a ways a way.  Ahhh I’m going to have a real job soon, not be able to naps in between classes, and have the responsibility of all my own bills and expenses.  I remember feeling this way and also feeling like my opinions and my voice did not have that big of an impact. 

In October on campus we celebrated domestic abuse awareness month.  This was this first time I noticed students on campus speaking out, scratch that maybe it was the first time I really listened.  I was taking a Women’s Rights class and was learning about obviously women’s rights so I became interested in the activities surrounding domestic abuse awareness month.  One activity was Women on Wednesdays, this actually happened throughout the semester and featured women speakers on a variety of topics.  During the month of October domestic abuse and sexual abuse survivors told their stories.  Some were older women who spoke at a variety of venues, others were panels of survivors that told their stories, and would answer questions from the audience. 

It was very powerful to hear the stories of all the women, but something really spoke to me when I heard the stories of fellow students.  Here were people my age telling their stories of survival and having an impact on their peer group.  It seems to me that I generally put forth a larger effort to listen to someone I can relate to.  Now upon reflection I can realize the importance of students speaking out, it holds so much power.

As I approached the end of my undergrad I was asked to sit on a panel during a Women on Wednesday, and I declined, due to some frivolous work conflict.  I really wish I would have taken that opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with my peer group.  I greatly regret not taking this opportunity to realize my voice and the impact it could have had on students.

This semester when you are on campus and students are speaking out about something that interests you take the time to stop and listen.  It may learn something about yourself or it just might in a way change your life.  Also if you get the opportunity to speak out on campus take it, what you have to say can impact someone else's life.