Nicole

Hello Everyone! My name is Nicole and I am a senior at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan double majoring in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies. My main areas of interest and activism revolve around issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, youth empowerment, women’s mental health, feminist volunteerism, and equal access to education. Aside from being a full-time student, I am a feminist activist involved in a variety of groups on my campus and in my community. My true passion in life has always been working with and learning from those in need. Some of the organizations I am or have been involved in include: - Triota, Women and Gender Studies National Honors Society - Grand Valley State University's Women's Center - Phi Sigma Sigma Women's Fraternity - GVSU Greek Allies and Advocates - YWCA West Central Michigan - Girls Incorporated - Children's Advocacy Center of Ottawa County - Girl Scouts of America - Mystic Lake YMCA Camp - Big Brothers, Big Sisters - I am also employed part-time Safe Haven Ministries, which "offers confidential emergency shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence; support groups, individual counseling, and advocacy for women and children who do not require shelter; and prevention and outreach programs for the entire community." - safehavenministries.org. I have to add that I absolutely LOVE my job… it doesn’t even seem like work! I am so lucky to have the chance to regularly interact with our residents. Its invaluable experience! I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of Feministing Campus! It is essential for us young feminists to connect and network with one another and this is honestly the perfect place for us to bring about awareness and learn from one another! With that being said, please feel free to comment on my posts or ask questions at anytime. I am always open to ideas and suggestions! Take care and enjoy!

Posts Written by Nicole
By Nicole • 14 years ago

Emancipating Empathy! Your Voice Counts!

Hey Feministers! Your voice is so essential in the following project:

For our Women and Gender Studies Capstone Project at Grand Valley State University, we are in the process of developing a creative, activist project and want to get individuals who experience marginalization to give us a deeper understanding of the emotions associated with oppression (sizeism, ableism, racism, sexism, heterosexism, etc.)

Our main goal is to incorporate your voices to shape the production of our artwork, and then gather inspiration from the art as a medium to ultimately inspire empathy within our community. To accomplish this goal, we were hoping that you could do us the honor of sharing your personal story.

Oh, and don’t worry – it will be anonymous and confidential! However, if you wish, you can allow us to give you personal credit by signing a waiver form. It’s up to you, of course. Your words will be then be expressed in a social activist project involving art, poetry, personal quotes and accounts, and other creative outlets.

If you are interested, please either set up a time with one of us to do a personal interview, or if it would be more convenient, we’d be more than happy to e-mail you the interview questions.

There is also the option of sending creative submissions (poetry, photography, paintings, etc). Your voice is extremely critical in the furthering of ...
By Nicole • 14 years ago

Not Your Typical Lecture!

In the cold, West Michigan winter of 2009, the Women and Gender Studies program at Grand Valley State University introduced its students to the wonderful and intriguing world of Triota. Triota, also known as Iota Iota Iota (try saying that three times fast!) is the Women and Gender Studies National Honors Society that offers students the chance to excel in the areas of WGS by encouraging its members to strive for excellence in academics, giving back to the community through feminist activism and social advocacy, and to spark creativity in ways to engage the campus and community in the WGS program.

Since the birth of Triota on our campus there have been some extremely kick ass student initiated programs ...

In the cold, West Michigan winter of 2009, the Women and Gender Studies program at Grand Valley State University introduced its students to the wonderful and intriguing world of Triota. Triota, also known as Iota Iota Iota ...
By Nicole • 14 years ago

Why Would You Choose a Degree in Women and Gender Studies?!

When I tell people that I am majoring in Women and Gender Studies (WGS), it seems to be commonplace to get one of two responses. There is the snide remark that goes along the lines of “What type of things do you talk about in those classes? How to burn bras, start abortion rallies, and hate on men? Har Har!” Sometimes, for the fun of it, I like to reply, “Yeah, that’s EXACTLY what I’ve learned over the past four years I have been at college. I can throw a bra burning bonfire like it’s my job! There’s one at my place tonight and we’re having s’mores! You should stop by!” But thankfully, the most typical response I come across is, “Oh, ...

When I tell people that I am majoring in Women and Gender Studies (WGS), it seems to be commonplace to get one of two responses. There is the snide remark that goes along the lines of “What ...
By Nicole • 14 years ago

The Balancing Act of the College Activist

A common trend amongst many of my fellow feminist activists on campus is that they are absolute professionals at being involved in EVERYTHING. Let’s face it: As feminist activists in an educational setting, we are surrounded by countless opportunities to learn about all that is wrong with the world, both in and outside of the classroom. When you mix genuine passion and desire to end cycles of oppression, a hunger for education and personal growth, and the bombardment of student organizations all around campus aimed at eliminating social issues, you get a formula for one busy activist spreading themselves thin in many different directions.

From my own personal experience, it always seems like a real swell idea to take a full ...

A common trend amongst many of my fellow feminist activists on campus is that they are absolute professionals at being involved in EVERYTHING. Let’s face it: As feminist activists in an educational setting, we are surrounded by ...