Ok, let me first proudly announce that I am in fact a feminist. Now before you all gasp let me clear up the goal of your typical run of the mill feminist. We are not men haters nor do we want women to be declared the superior gender and me wiped off the face of the earth; however, like any political group we do have extremist. A true feminist wants equality among all genders, races, and religions. That’s it, simple as that - now aren't you surprised. It's probably not the best word to describe this cause, but at the time it was created it seemed to best describe the movement to have women treated as men's equals.

Now, your probably saying to yourself how did such a lovely young lady became a feminist. Well I'll tell you, my parents. When my sister and I were growing up, they never said "no you can not do that because you are a girl.' They encouraged us to try everything and supported us in all our involvement. They did not believe that girls and boys should be raised any different. If we preferred getting dirty and wearing overalls to playing house and wearing dresses, it was fine by them. Their only hope was that we grow up to be strong independent people.

In becoming a strong woman, I have learned a few things that I would like to share with the rest of you. I am first and foremost a person. If you treat me with respect, I will treat you the same in return. I do not need to be protected; though a very chivalrous act but then I also believe chivalry belongs in the Middle Ages. Men have better things to be doing then watching my every step to make sure I am safe. If I need help or I am having problems, I will ask for assistance. Treating me as if I was some helpless little creature is an insult to my intelligence and no worst then verbal abuse. Slowly but surely, women are showing that they can do anything men can do anything men can do. Want proof, take a good look at the world and you will see many women performing the same task as men and surviving. I attended an all-female high school in Chicago and we did everything for ourselves: we were the jocks, the brains, the tech crews, the actresses, the artist, the writer and poets and so on. We broke the stereotypes and were proud to say we were women.

Now I know I do not speak for all women. I accept that there are women that enjoy being feminine in the traditional sense. They may disagree with everything I say and they are allowed that right. However, the times are changing and women do not deserve to be treated as second class citizens anymore. I have the same rights as the next person and should be respected as such. The women of Rose-Hulman hold the same ability to achieve greatness as the men of Rose-Hulman, and therefore should not be treated any differently. So in closing, start breaking stereotypes today. Do not expect others to do it for you. Besides, you might be surprised what will happen if you do.

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