Speak Up, Speak Out: Rachel Stefanczyk

"I think Women’s Studies stands out from the other programs. It captures materials and knowledge from all of the arts and social sciences programs. In Women’s Studies there are courses about: spirituality and religion, research and writing, history of women and women’s movements, theory and philosophy surrounding women, and modern day topics such as race, discrimination, violence, body image, and sexuality. The classes have given me more confidence to speak freely, and to address my thoughts and opinions because they are always acknowledged and respected. I’ve learned a lot in Women’s Studies classes, not only through lecture material, but also from debates, student presentations, and discussions. All of the courses I have taken, in one way or another, have affected my academic life, as well as my life off campus. I now expect equality between sexes. For example, I was out shopping for a new car when one salesman invited my boyfriend and me in to talk about what I was looking for. During the whole conversation he directed his conversation to my boyfriend, and shook only his hand at the end of the meeting. Note: I was the one purchasing the car!!!"

Rachel Stefanczyk, Women’s Studies and Labour Studies