Before class began, I understood how gender and sex differed and their role in discrimination. Yet I did not know each of the ways they impacted common ideals. For example, I was unaware of certain biological factors regarding sex, sexual attraction, and birth. Such as progesterone and estrogen decrease after giving birth. Furthermore, I was aware of Turner Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome but on a surface level. Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome and others were new to me. By learning more in depth about intersex conditions I am able to understand the extended depth of gender and sex and how it may impact an individual. Additionally, as I am not a mother I cannot directly relate to that chapter. However I am interested in working with kids so Dr. Melchiori’s presented examples gave me a better understanding. This included the video of her two children explaining their gender. Children are often quite fluid and open to experiencing gender. Though as they grow older they tend to associate a specific gender with everything. Knowing this explains the time when I called out to someone referring to them as “dude” and a young child reprimanded me saying “she’s a girl not a boy.”

Table group discussions were helpful to discuss differing viewpoints on the presented topic that I failed to recognize. Everyone was thorough in their response and open to hearing others. Some topics were better understood by certain group members who may have a direct experience. Being able to listen and understand their primary viewpoint was necessary. Personally, I grew up alongside a gender on binary person so I had some background in understanding that topic. Though I myself am a straight white woman, so I do not have the experience of the minority. This further illustrates the importance of listening to those these issues directly impact. I will never fully understand the feeling of racism or homophobia. But I can take the time to hear those who do know its repercussions.

Before this course I had volunteered with Anicira and Spotswood Elementary. I was also aware of the Collins Center but had yet to volunteer with them. Their impact is astronomical and I hope to seek out volunteering opportunities among them and complete a field placement at their facility.

Posting on my Instagram story was simple and something I do daily. It seems to have minimal impact despite the positive feedback I get from this in agreement. Though I may consistently share issues that are of necessity, doing so will not automatically change a person’s opinion. Instead, reaching out directly to those that can greatly impact an outcome is a more viable option. For this project I reached out to Health and Human Resources regarding the lack of Medicaid coverage of abortions. Despite not receiving a response, reaching out to them directly presents a greater chance of them seeing the email and beginning to change.

My last action connection was a flyer with mental health resources listed. This was important to me as I’ve struggled greatly with my mental health. At the time I felt alone and wanted everyone to leave me alone but also read my mind and get me help. It took time before I learned that my mind cannot be read and receiving help begins with me. But many struggling do not know of these resources and are not comfortable reaching out to family or friends. And a long complicated list may be intimidating. So, I created a concise list with provided links.

I plan to continue doing what I can to achieve activism. This includes emailing political leaders, attending the Chocolate Walk and even posting on my Instagram story. Some of these may be minimal, but doing nothing is harmful and avoidant.

Finally, I graduate in two years. I anticipate using my knowledge from this course in my senior capstone and future career. I aspire to be a forensic interviewer for survivors, specifically children, of sexual abuse. Many challenges come alongside this so using my time in college to best understand the adolescent mind, how the brain responds to trauma, and communication skills is of the upmost importance to me. Even through extensive preparedness, challenges will present themselves along the way; but responding to the best of my abilities and asking questions is a necessity to improvement.