When you hear Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies, what comes to mind?

Often we find ourselves thinking it is exactly that. Yet, that is just the tip of the iceberg. It is that and so much more. It is biased of me to say this, but I don’t think I could have ever found a more suitable and rewarding degree. Initially, I was intimidated entirely by the name alone. Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies. I wasn’t sure what feminism was except for negative stereotypes I had heard. Not to say that feminism doesn’t have any downfalls, because it does, and there is work to be done. There is a lot I did not know and a lot I still do not know. However, I feel that GWSS has transformed my life in a way I could have never imagined. There was never a day that I went home without new information, new critiques, new questions, new perspectives, you name it. While it felt like a beautiful effervescent world unraveling before me, it also had its moments of devastation, uncertainty, and challenges. But it was in those moments that my world grew. I connected with others, I learned from others. This was real life and real experiences that our society continually tries to construct, minimize, and erase. We often are taking part in this without even knowing it.

My name is Madalyn and I am a 2022 Senior graduating with my Bachelors in Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies this spring! I am a United States Air Force Veteran. I plan to pursue my Master’s in Social Work and Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in child and adolescent development. What GWSS means for one person is likely entirely different for the next person. This here is the experience of just a few students’ journeys through GWSS to help readers gather a better understanding of what may be a transformative yet often overlooked experience for their education, career, relationships, and in some instances, most importantly, for themselves. These are some examples of what students are doing with their GWSS degree, some takeaways, favorite readings, and class recommendations. A sneak peek into what GWSS could be for you.