While there are a countless number of fields of study available to take in college, one, in particular, that does not get nearly enough attention is women's, gender and sexuality studies. According to the UAlbany website, it is defined as "an interdisciplinary field of study that recognizes excellence in research, teaching, and service."

It certainly is an excellent field, and the wide variety of classes within will possibly broaden people's minds and views.

Olivia and I are both minoring in women's studies, and we have had a class together every semester since January 2016. What we have gained by taking these classes is too difficult to put into words, but it has definitely opened our minds even more to the world and the problems within it. For me, I'll admit, before I took up this minor, I had never thought much about the environment or food justice and what they could possibly have to do with feminism, racism or equality. I had never heard the term "intersectionality" before. In other words, I was not quite as woke as I thought I was.

Studying in this field has changed all of that. Not only have I made some fabulous friends, but my world has been changed and I feel like I see it through all new eyes. Most of the classes are discussion-based, which is a plus.

There is very little of just sitting and taking notes, as the professors or facilitators encourage students to keep the class going by bouncing comments off of each other on various topics. In several courses, students are given the chance to lead a class themselves, as in we get to decide how to begin the discussion and which direction it should go in.

Essentially, we take on the role of the professor for the day. Topics may range from reproductive rights and marriage equality, all the way down to something that appears "unimportant," like cultural appropriation. The classes are, for lack of a better word, fun!

Another interesting aspect is the number of different points of view we come across. While the classes we have taken have mostly been made up of women, or those who identify as women; there have been at least two or three men - or those identifying as men - in each of them as well. While that would certainly be cause for awkwardness, it is a pleasant surprise when they are just as engaged in the discussions as the women are. No topic is too taboo and the classroom is a safe space for every gender, identity, race or age.

You should take a women's studies class. Trust us, you'll be glad you did.