In the 5 years since my sexual assault, I've experienced the realities and responsibilities of living life as a rape survivor. The truth is, some days survivors become victims all over again when they share their stories with those they trust. Reactions to rape are often emotional, ranging from anger & blame, to shock & pity, to fear & discomfort. While society's attitudes are shifting as a whole in reference to rape and sexual abuse, there's still a lot of work to be done, and I believe that work starts in our own homes and communities. In this article, I've compiled a list of do's & don'ts to keep in mind when speaking about rape, and specifically when a survivor comes forward with their story. While not radical, the do's & don'ts are intended to challenge and push our communities to improve despite tradition, normalization, and inheritance of abuse.
This writing piece is about my own experiences being mixed race in a sorority, and on a college campus, and a commentary on how Greek Life can discriminate against different identities. I share this in hope that I can help anyone who has felt unaccepted in their community, or has felt targeted in any space.
College can be tough. As young adults transition from high school to college, we may find ourselves worrying about niches and rejection among other things. From personal experiences with rejection throughout my first year of college, I’ve learned that rejection is normal and should be utilized as a tool for growth instead of disappointment.
Read MoreThroughout recent years, thrifting has become a well-loved activity filled with affordable, sustainable, and fashionable opportunities. However, for many years society criticized thrifting, falsely assuming that it was inferior to the typical means of clothing shopping. Even though this long-lasting stigma surrounding thrifting seems to be fading, one question still remains: How did thrifting transform from into something “trendy”overnight?
A deeper dive into society’s interpretation of feminine anger.
Read MoreReflecting on a childhood entrenched in an eating disorder, seven years into recovery.
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Taking a look at why it's so hard for girls to use the word "No," and the ridiculous ways we learn to reject men without using it.
With Covid-19 placing a halt on travel plans for the foreseeable future, the Travel-Bug has inevitably entered my bloodstream, making me long to visit small European towns and to see all the beauty awaiting to be visited by the rest of the world.
Read MoreHow do you fall in love in the middle of a global pandemic? All you need is a bit of Emily Dickenson.
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Writing my high school theater experience into a personal narrative about consent, intimacy, and what we expect from young artists. Trigger warning: sexual imagery.
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This essay explores societal attitudes about bisexuality, outlining how bisexuals are disadvantaged by the widespread biphobia discovered in both the homosexual and heterosexual communities. Because the predominant societal attitude is to not recognize bisexuality as a legitimate orientation, the bisexual community is subject to erasure; this ostracization has adverse effects on the overall quality of life of the bisexual population. The negative effects this discrimination can have on bisexuals in terms of mental and physical health are illuminated. Zeila explores stereotypes about bisexuality and the widespread rejection of bisexuality in both the gay and straight communities as well as her own history of rejecting of her bisexual identity.
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People’s bodies are continually changing, and it’s important to realize that and consider all the facts before making assumptions or commenting on someone’s body because you think it should or shouldn’t be a certain way.
Read MoreExamining the way women are taught to be ashamed of their bodies by looking at my own relationship with my mother. Content warning: This article mentions eating disorders
Read MoreCOVID-19 has upturned everyone’s lives and put many in precarious situations. Here I recount my last day in my dorm.
Read MoreChildren’s TV giants such as Disney use the creepy nerd trope to talk about sexual harassment-- but what are they really teaching kids?
Read MoreIn this article, I explore how internalized racism has impacted my worldview, specifically my romantic life. Finding love, especially self-love, in a world plagued by racism and colorism is a daunting task. I discuss representations of mixed women in the media and how perceptions of my race influenced my romantic relationships, friendships and sense of self.
Read MoreTraveling solo and sleeping in the woods can be frightening, especially as a young woman. And yet, strangers have shown me more kindness while doing that than I could have ever anticipated.
Read MoreDuring a time of uncertainty and fear for the future, it can be refreshing, like the breeze on a hot day, to reflect on the past, to a time of childhood summers. When many of us were blessed with innocents and ignorance of real-life issues.
Read MoreWhy is a raven like a writing desk? I’m honestly still not sure but the Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park has always been a source of comfort for me. Now, in the midst of a global pandemic, it brings me silver-plated joy.
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