We ARE Making a Difference
As I listened to Dr. Turner explain our service learning project at the beginning of the semester, I was nervous. I didn’t know how to promote awareness about intimate assault by means of implicit bias, and frankly I didn’t really want to, but then I remembered a friend that had confided in me about her experience of being a victim of intimate assault. Her story inspired me to be a better promoter and to help others. When she first told me her story I was concerned I hadn’t handled the situation correctly, but as I’ve participated in SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) and believing in survivors, I learned that my listening and offering a hug was exactly right.
This same friend also told me that she really appreciated my recent Facebook post saying that nobody deserved to be intimately assaulted regardless of dress or other circumstances surrounding the attack. She said it was giving her a voice she was scared to use because it wouldn’t be or hadn’t been heard, but my voice was being heard. When she told me that I was speaking for her and making a difference it made me feel great about what I was doing for an assignment and inspired me to do something for more than just points in class.
The first day of class in April we received two teal ribbons. I immediately tied one around the neck of the zebra that hangs on my bookbag. As I pondered what to do with the other ribbon I wanted to spread the platform, so I gave the other ribbon to a friend for his bookbag. He later informed me that even though he was a little nervous to share the platform, someone had asked him about his ribbon and he now feels more confidence in sharing the platform.
The next Teal Tuesday, I realized I had lots of teal ponytails. I had my roommate braid my hair into lots of little braids to use as many ponytails as possible and to make my hairstyle stand out. I also tucked my pants into my boots to show off the teal color on the tops of my boots. As I went throughout the day I received many compliments from people in various situations. I was so excited to tell the man in the parts store why I was rocking the braids today, and he was grateful to receive the knowledge. At work one of my coworkers asked if there was a story behind my hair and I could say yes and share more of the platform. A different coworker complimented my braids and I had yet another opportunity to be a voice for victims of intimate assault.
My experiences with my friends and braids have encouraged me to continue to support Teal Tuesdays, even though I now don’t need the points in class. These experiences have also given me the courage to talk about intimate assault and its consequences. I know that as I continue to raise awareness that I can make a difference, even if it’s just one person’s world, I still changed someone’s life for the better.
