Newsletter

Y's Women…a seasonal Newsletter of the
YWCA OF
U L S T E R C O U N T Y

"Women's Studies and the Real World"

The following article was written by Megan Moore a senior at SUNY New Paltz who is completing a one-semester internship with the YWCA.

When I tell people I'm a SUNY New Paltz Women's Studies major, I'm usually faced with confusion, dismissal and a condescending, "Women's Studies? What are you gonna do with that!?" Even though I'm endlessly grateful for the wealth of knowledge, awareness, perspective, and personal growth I've gained, the lack of outside acceptance of my major as academically valid and legitimate has made me start questioning the practicality and usefulness of a Women's Studies degree in "the real world," as well.

Speaking to other women and men graduating from the same department has made me realize that I'm not alone in my anxiety, apprehension and lack of confidence in the economic value placed on our Women's Studies backgrounds. Learning about gender socialization, all three waves of the women's movement, feminist theory, cultural diversity, and the movements to end racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia is definitely interesting and fun, but where do we go from here?

My experience has been educational, personally empowering and definitely reassuring. Thanks to Andrea Parks, Amy Kapes, and the YW staff, I've been given the opportunity to see first hand the working structure and functioning of a not-for-profit organization committed to serving women and working toward racial justice.

Exposure to the wide range of services and programs offered by the YW have allowed me a little peek into different types of human services and given me a taste for the kinds of work that I've always dreamed of being a part of, but never actually believed was possible. There really are feminist organizations out there, excited and motivated about truly making a difference! There really are employment opportunities for people committed to social activism and expanding the options, agency, and quality of women's lives!

The YWCA of Ulster County has been the perfect introduction to the world of honest, heart-filled social service agencies and the vibrant energy of activism and women-centered community I can look forward to participating in after graduation.

Megan Moore

To request a copy of Y's Women contact us at:

YWCA of Ulster County
209 Clinton Ave., Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: 845 338-6844 Fax: 845 338-0620
E-mail: ywcaulster@hvc.rr.com