Emily Halle

Growing up in a very liberal town in Connecticut, I always considered myself a feminist without ever thinking about what a feminist really was. While I was the only girl in my accelerated math class, I never really saw the problem with that. I know injustices and inequalities were around me growing up, but I did not have the words or tools necessary to fight against them. I never saw what was right in front of my face because I was never taught to. It was not until I got to college that my views were challenged and I had to define what feminism meant to me.

I was fortunate to go on a study abroad trip last January to India. What shocked me the most was how blatant the inequalities were- slums right next to beautiful condominiums. I was able to meet with many female Indian activists. I learned so much. Most importantly, it opened my eyes to the injustices that still existed in the US. I saw the extreme form of many of these injustices in India. I think this reinforced the idea that small injustices still occurring in the US can quickly and easily slide back and get far worse if they are not dealt with today.

My trip to India was a huge turning point in my life. It not only made me more globally aware, it also made me an activist. I saw how important it was to stand up against a wrong and speak out to make it right. It only took me a trip halfway across the world to do this! I came back to the states very energized and ready to take action. While I've learned that things do not happen as fast as I'd like them to, persistence definitely pays- especially when it comes to family. My parents were not thrilled when I initially joined NOW. They, like many people, had certain stereotypes on what a feminist was and did. They quickly dispelled these notions and even bought an "I heart female orgasm" button. My family's reaction is the exact reason why I think more people should embrace being called feminist. If we each individualize what feminism means to us, and are able to talk to our families and friends and tell them why we feel women still have a long way to go, then we're breaking down stereotypes and working our way ever closer to ending injustices.

I took a class last spring in which several speakers came to talk about hidden dangers in the world. Speakers included Aryeh Neier and John Bolton. The most interesting speaker was a man named Olara Otunnu, who spoke about the child soldiers in Northern Uganda. Mr. Otunnu's speech inspired several students and me to start another club on campus dealing specifically with the problem in Northern Uganda. I never would have been capable of creating this club and leading it if I was not involved with NOW. My eyes have been open and I know that I AM the change I want in the world.