By: Maddie Leaver, W*SS Program & Events Intern
As I reflect upon my time spent at Michigan State University, I am left with a plethora of emotions: eagerness to move on, immense appreciation for the experiences that have shaped me, and perhaps a tad bit of resentment towards the pandemic’s interruption of it all. However, the feeling that seems to dominate my heart as I prepare to leave it all behind is an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the things I learned, the spaces that made me feel whole, and the people I’ve gotten to know and love along the way. For if I did not have the chance to be a part of The Center for Gender in a Global Context (GenCen), The Center for Survivors, or Women*s Student Services, I would not be the woman I am today. Although I’m sure I will constantly crave Omi Sushi, miss hearing the pounding of the MSU Drumline on game days, and aimlessly wandering around Horrocks, it is these communities of wonderful people I will miss the most. With that, I am now thankful for the space to share how amazing these organizations truly are in hopes that others will find the same support I have been lucky enough to receive over the past four years.
One of my favorite memories of my time at MSU happened within the GenCen early into my freshman year. As a very unsure 18-year-old, I marched into the International Center for a meeting with the Women and Gender Studies (WGS) advisor to discuss majoring in this field. Little did I know then that the advisor who so kindly welcomed me into their office with open and eager arms would turn out to be one of the greatest role models, mentors, advice givers, teachers, and people I have ever met. Pat Arnold truly is one of the best gifts to students at MSU, and I could not be more thankful for everything they have done for me over the past four years. In the GenCen as a whole, one will find the most caring professors, genuine friendships with fellow students, and an abundance of knowledge that will fuel one’s ability to change the world. I knew I found something special when this community not only taught me the importance of WGS content, but the importance of finding and believing in myself. As I prepare to leave, I can truly say that majoring in Women and Gender Studies was the best decision I have made over the past four years.
Throughout my time at MSU, the Center for Survivors has truly been my safe haven. The life-changing work they do within our community, which historically seems to normalize gender-based violence rather than support survivors, is truly not talked about enough. Each and every staff member showers all people who walk through their doors with nothing but kindness, compassion, and empathy: this truly makes a world of difference in making survivors feel safe, taken care of, and loved. They allowed me to reclaim my power, voice, and identity on my own time - providing nothing but grace, support, and genuine care along the way. I hope every single survivor in our community takes full advantage of their services: from crafternoons, to therapy, advocacy, and their survivor lounge. As I reflect upon the woman I have become during my time at MSU, I will never truly be able to put into words the remarkable role the Center for Survivors has played in my life: they have both changed and saved it.
Although the chance to work for Women*s Student Services presented itself at the very end of my college career, I truly could not imagine a better way to cap off my MSU experience. After spending so much of my time in spaces of gender equality on campus, having the opportunity to create ones for others has been cathartic in countless ways. Spending the past four months planning events centered around inclusivity, gender equity, and community was nothing short of amazing, but the people I got to spend it with truly made my experience memorable. To Gabby, Millie, Jada, Heather, Makenzie, Jordyn, Bella, Ashleigh, Noihrita, and Joslyn: I am so grateful I got to meet every single one of you wonderful people, I am proud of everything we have accomplished together, and I wish you all nothing but the best.
In the midst of all these changes, half of me cannot believe I am here, while the other half absolutely can. The past four years have been immensely difficult yet beautiful, never ending yet dragged out, filled with both laughter as well as tears, and somehow everything else in between. As I leave MSU in just a few short weeks, I know I will walk across the Breslin Center stage a much better woman than the one who walked into Case Hall on freshman move-in day, and I truly owe that to these communities of amazing human beings. So, here’s to the past four years at MSU - Go Green, Go White, always find and create spaces that make your life bright.
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