My name is Shana. I am freshman theater arts major with a minor in women and gender studies. In the fall of 2015, I began attending SUNY Fredonia. I can speak for a lot of freshman and say that, so many of us were absolutely terrified. I didn’t have much knowledge as to what big programs were on campus, what groups were recommended to join, where to go, what to do, it was all just really overwhelming.
Student Activity night approached, and I remember being swarmed in an enormous crowd, full of sweaty bodies, loud music and everywhere you turned there was a flyer being handed to you. One particular group I was more specifically drawn to was the S.T.E.P.S (Students Teaching Equals Positive Sexuality) table. I was familiar with some of the people because some of them were in my major, but some were also at orientation.
The moment I walked up to the table, I was immediately drawn in by these warm, funny, exciting people. I remember the former president complimenting my tie-dye shirt and them just showering me in all these kind words and all of them explaining to me what it is they do. I had a really great instinct about this group. About a week later, they held an event where anyone who was interested in actively joining the group could attend. This gave everyone the chance to interact with people in the group and step (no pun intended) out of your comfort zone.
This eventually led to an interview process, then continued by a callback. I remember being absolutely terrified for the interview process. It was a little make or break, but I knew from the moment I walked in that this was something that could really make a big impact on my life. My roommate had tried out for the group as well, and she opened both of our letters telling us we were accepted since I was in Buffalo at the time. I remember screaming, and continuing to sob and calling my mother and father to tell them the news.
This group provided me a safe zone. I knew I had found some really amazing friends by becoming a part of this incredible group. I felt that I could finally be who I wanted to be without judgment being passed upon me. This group also gave me so many new perspectives and educated me so much on life.
As a group, we create events and give presentations on Homophobia/Transphobia, HIV/AIDS, STI’s, Sexual Assault, Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships, Alcohol Awareness and Safe Partying. As a group, we spend so much time trying to educate and create a safe environment on campus for the fellow students, and hopefully, what we educate will make people carry this information into their everyday lives.
S.T.E.P.S is what inspired me to take a minor in women and gender studies as well. I truly never realized how much of an important role this played in my life until this group entered my life. I want to be able create theater with what I’ve been taught through S.T.E.PS, and what we all continue to educate people with daily. It has made me want to write theater on social justice issues and tell the stories of people who may not get the chance to have a voice about something that may be important to them. S.
T.E.P.S made me a better person. It opened my eyes to a better light. It made me more educated, compassionate, understanding, wise, brave and always willing to learn. Most of all this group has always and will always continue to offer unconditional love—that is what is so special about everyone in that group. They love with every ounce of themselves. It’s very rare to come by a group of people who offer that, so I can say how lucky I am and grateful for it. I’ll cherish this group forever.
