I’ve completed the first three parts of the pre-institute reading. Personally, it was not super helpful.
 
I think it will be super helpful to those who have never been exposed to any women studies ideas and find that facts are the best argument and motivator to change. Or those who have role models.
 
I’ve never had a role model. No seriously. I never looked up to anyone when I was young and wanted to be like them.  Thinking about this the past few days made me wonder why. I never admired anyone the way people talk about the role models they had. I had examples of strong young adults: Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Babysitter Club, and The American Girl Doll’s Books. And I think that made me believe in myself and hold myself to an unrealistic high standard. I never judged myself against others really.
 
This I…