#commonbook

Ryan Holiday

"Each discipline whether it is English, Psychology, or History has its own key concepts and language for describing these important ways of understanding the world. Don’t fool yourself that your professors’ writing assignments are asking for your opinion on the topic from just your experience. They want to see you apply and use these concepts in your writing. Though different from a multiple-choice exam, writing similarly requires you to demonstrate your learning. So whatever writing assignment you receive, inspect it closely for what concepts it asks you to bring into your writing. "

This semester my common book looked at in class and out of class material that related to female empowerment. What I found was that female empowerment can be related to all of the topics we had discussed in class and finding materials outside of class was not very challenging. I think part of this is because of the time that we are in. It is becoming more and more popular to empower females and there are many movements behind it happening every day. I also just believe that women’s studies courses can be very empowering. Having a class that looks at the world we live in and how that affects people of all gender identities makes you a better-rounded person. You become more aware of inequalities that exist, recognize intersectionality’s role in your life, and learn more about who you are as a human being. These are all concepts that when you learn about them, and become aware, you feel empowered. You are empowered to share that knowledge and you are empowered to know that you are not alone in this crazy world. This semester being able to focus on female empowerment has helped me a lot. I truly believe that if you surround yourself with positivity, even when the world may not be so positive, that you will be happier and more optimistic. Having a topic that had a positive look at feminism and gender studies made me hopeful for a future that is more inclusive of all people. I have observed where we came from, where we are now, and I believe that things are getting better. Females are doing amazing things and with the efforts to empower women they will continue to do better and better.

-Bill Strickland