12th Blog Part 2: "Thank You For an Amazing Class"

12th Blog Assignment

Part II

Dear Dr. Heather Peerboom,

I have learned so much in Women’s Studies 301. Maybe no one noticed but I know I never spoke up during class, I wish I had, but I’m very shy and pretty socially awkward. I’m genuinely working on it though. I write, that’s how I best express myself. Despite my reserved behavior in class, taking Women’s Studies 301, especially from Dr. Heather Peerboom, was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m not kissing up, I genuinely feel that Dr. Peerboom’s WS 301 class has changed my life for the better. 

I’ve always considered myself a feminist. Even when I didn’t quite understand the issues, I always knew that I was someone who stood up against injustice. It doesn’t matter if you’re white or black, it’s obvious that it’s wrong to treat people badly because of race. It’s the same with women’s rights, it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female or whatever you consider yourself, it’s obvious that it’s wrong to treat people badly because of gender and/or sex. I’ve always known that, and I’ve always known that I was the type of person who would fight for justice for everyone. So feminist is what I’ve always known I was. 

What Dr. Peerboom’s WS 301 class taught me was to think deeper than what’s on the surface of things, to dig deep, see past the bullshit, to test boundaries, to ignore social pressures. Her class taught me to never stop asking why, what, how, who, etc. Her class taught me to not be suspicious of myself for my feelings and such but to be suspicious of “social graces and manners.” To be suspicious of what is being shown to me as “normal” and “weird.” To go with my gut when I know something is not right instead of second guessing myself.

The readings and class discussions in Women’s Studies 301 have taught me a lifetime of things I might have never known. I’ve always known there were “issues” but this class has shown me the issues, this class has put me face to face with the ugly truth of the issues women and men face today. This class, it’s readings, and class discussions have shown me that it’s not just women’s issues, it’s everyones issues and that even though these issues might not be the ones on the news (like they should be) but that does not mean that they are not there. There are many dark shadows in the women’s movement today and we must work to shed light where there is darkness because if there is no awareness, then there is no recognition or problem solving, and thus there is no solution. 

Like I said, I’ve been a human rights activist, a feminist, since before I can remember. What Dr. Heather Peerboom’s Women’s Studies 301 class has given me is a clear purpose in life that I was afraid to acknowledge before. I now know that the human’s rights movement, more specifically the feminist movement, is where I belong. My life isn’t complete without feminism, it’s not complete if I don’t fight the good fight for justice and equality. I’ve realized my purpose in life is to fight in the feminist movement. My purpose in life is to shine light where there is darkness; to fight for justice and equality for everyone; women, men, girls, and boys. 

The only thing I can think to say now is: Thank you, Dr. Peerboom, thank you for teaching my Women’s Studies 301 class.  

From Lacey McKenna Carr,

aspiring to be the next Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Heather Peerboom