Speak Up, Speak Out: Monica Overton

“When friends suggested that I take a Women's Studies elective in my first year, I was excited with the opportunity to explore gender academically, but entirely unsure of what to expect. The people I have met and the concepts I have explored in Women’s Studies couldn't be more interesting. The classroom is so dynamic and interesting that I have a hard time missing class! Students come from a variety of academic programs and cultural alliances. We are lucky to study many ideas and theories, which are always discussed insightfully and respectfully. It's no wonder that many of us who are not Women's Studies majors take these classes every semester. Since becoming a teaching assistant I've come to appreciate what great courses this multifaceted program has to offer. I learn just as much from listening to students as I do from the professors. Our environment breeds anything but 'typical' feminism. It is open to and values all opinions, but the bottom line is always the discussion of social responsibility, and the study of gender as relevant and motivating towards change.”

Monica Overton, Communications Studies, Women’s Studies minor