1. No, we don't hate men.

I've had people tell me what I do and do not hate more times than I can count. While everyone decides to become a Women's Studies major for their own reasons, I can assure you it is probably not because of some deep-seated hatred for men.

2. Listen to us.

The great thing about women's studies and feminist pedagogy is that everyone has the ability to contribute to critical thought. However, if you trust an engineering student to tell you the definition of structural integrity or something similar, maybe be a bit more open to having a Women's Studies major explain the difference between feminism and misandry, okay?

3. No, it's not a useless major.

Many people with Women's Studies (Or similar majors like Gender Studies) go on to be authors, activists, politicians, diplomats, academics, and everything in between. Taking Women's Studies classes prepares me to look at the world in a complex, multidimensional network of systems, rather than a simple "one size fits all" solution.

4. No, we're not all lesbians.

Women's Studies classes often teach the importance of understanding social constructs and dictates the roles individuals are expected to fulfill. This means the expectation that someone who identifies as a woman marrying a man.

So yes, you'll find a lot of LGBTQ folks within Women's Studies spaces, but that is often because they find solace there. For myself. I found a community who loves and supports my queer identity, without needing to constantly educate them on the finer details of feminist and queer theory.

5. Our classes are not blow off classes.

In all honesty, I would love it if every night I was able to know when my homework was done. Between reading approximately 200 pages a week plus writing weekly papers and semester conference papers, I can assure you that I do just as much work as any other student. Being in classes that require the self-discipline to set up schedules so that I don't end up writing multiple term papers in one week has taught me to structure my time and hold myself accountable, rather than rely on a midnight deadline.

6. We're not all bleeding heart liberals.

In fact, a lot of Women's Studies students are more critical of the left than many of those who actively oppose it. Seeing a lack of diversity and action on both sides of the political spectrum has taught me to be critical, even of the causes I support. How are voices of color included in the conversation? Are transgender people being pushed aside when it comes to healthcare debates? Various questions create a need for dialogue and explanation no matter which side is speaking.

7. I'm not going to scream at you. Promise.

When in a protest or rally, maybe I'll be passionate about fighting for the rights of those who are being threatened. But I promise you I can have a civilized discussion. Am I human? Yes. So I may become frustrated if we seem to talk on two different sides with a lack of respect.

But, and here's that feminist pedagogy again, everyone has a voice and an ability to use it. Without conversations of (seemingly) opposing natures, we're never going to create a better world for those who follow us. So come on, let's sit down, have a coffee, and discuss the patriarchy.

8. No, I don't hate all straight, white men.

This may seem to echo #1 on this list but it's true. Will I say things out of frustration when I've had one too many experiences with people who all identify with these categories? Yeah. It's just like how everyone gets ticked at essays or exams and say "I hate exams!" So no I don't hate all straight, white men.

Just after a long day of having them interrupt me, ask me if I'm lost because I walk into a bathroom according to my gender identity, or even just say things like "Wow you're smart for a girl.", I may whisper under my breath about my frustrations or I may rant to my friends who have had a day full of similar experiences.

9. In the end, let us be human.

I've never seen someone be extremely critical of a chemist major for their understanding of organic chemical compounds. Yet often times I feel as if people are waiting for a Women's Studies major to have one bad day just so they can say "Ha! See? Feminism is dead and they all hate men." We have bad days just like everyone else. One of the cornerstones of feminist pedagogy is compassion.

Because without compassion this world will become something hateful and vile. So instead of just assuming we've let down the entire name of Women's Studies just because of one day, maybe just treat us like we're human beings prove to faults and downfalls just like everyone else.