You say you want a revolution. Well, you know we all want to change the world

Bernie Sanders
Earlier in the year Mr. Bernie Sanders came to campus. I went to hear him speak, not because I myself was a fan, but because I had heard so many others talk highly of him. Needless to say I was one of the many who jumped on the Bernie train too late. He was an amazing public speaker who was passionate about helping all citizens. Affordable health care, including pharmaceuticals, and affordable college education were just a few of his covered topics. I am currently reading his book Our Revolution and so far it is very interesting. Mr. Sanders has lived an exciting life. I think our world could benefit greatly from his ideas and experiences.

Roxane Gay (shout out to Janie for the introduction to Gay’s writing)

Last term my ethics class went and heard Roxane Gay read from several of her own books. It was a great experience. I remember thinking ‘Wow, her writing is so honest and real. She must feel vulnerable but also be alright with that’. Over spring break I read a collection of Gay’s essays in her book Bad Feminist.  I laughed and cried. She finds a way to include humor into essays that all center around serious issues. I think many women would benefit from reading her writing and I hope men would as well. Until I read her book I would not have labeled myself as a Feminist. I had thought I’m not outspoken enough to be considered a feminist and I don’t always feel as strongly about issues as maybe I should. My taste in television shows alone would be frowned upon by true Feminists. Well now I know that it’s okay to be a “Bad Feminist”. Long story short, you don’t have to be perfect yourself to want equality. Just read the book.

J.K. Rowling

I was fortunate enough to learn at a young age that friendship is important. How you treat other individuals matters. Life will not always be easy but it’s okay to ask for help and more importantly to help others. These values were taught to me by my parents but also by Ms. Rowling. Reading the Harry Potter books is one of my all time favorite activities. She found a creative way to teach millions of people the value of friendship and the need for “good” in the world. I’ll be forever grateful for all she has taught me.