Two weeks ago, no one knew who I was. Nine months ago, I wrote my first article for Odyssey. A year ago, I never spoke up for what I believed in.
But last week, all of that changed. I sat down to write about something very dear to my heart; not just as a woman, not just as an athlete, but as a human being. In just five days, 190,000 people read my words. Never in a million years could I have anticipated this response.
I went to sleep with 8,000 views, and I thought I had made an impact. I woke up to 28,000 views and knew I was making a difference. With 190,000 views, a written school policy made, and people thanking me for being their "hero", I am fearful.
After my article went not only nationwide, but worldwide; I realized that words matter. Words can be interpreted differently by the individual. Words can make or break someone's day. Words have the power to resonate deeply with people. Words have a way of making monumental things happen.
Once words are in writing, they are there forever. When I sent my article in for review, I took a deep breath knowing that once it was published, it was going to be set in stone for anyone, anywhere to read.
I do not have a degree in Journalism; I write for leisure. I write to express my feelings in hopes that others can relate. I have come to terms with realizing the main reason I write is to be a voice for those who cannot put their feelings into words.
I received an overwhelming amount of support from students, student-athletes, staff members, the running community, and outside media. Although many people have my back, I can't help but feel guilty for clicking send. One reporter I talked to assured me that, even after being a journalist for over 12 years, she is still afraid of the responses she may get after she posts an article. It was comforting in a sense to know I'm not alone.
At 21 years old, I can't help but think about the repercussions my article could have. Will future employers look at me differently? Will my teachers think less of me for speaking against the school? Will I be labeled as a Feminist, for wanting equality?
The answers are unwritten.
My biggest takeaway is that if you believe in something, you have to not only speak up, but you have to stand for it.
Did I think my article would ever go past the student body? No. Did I ever intend to make the University that provides me with incredible opportunities to look bad? Never.
But that's the thing, all actions have reactions. There are consequences for everything. You cannot control something that is no longer in your hands. How my words were interpreted may not have been how I exactly intended.
But I took a stance, and I stood by it. I never went back on my word out of fear.
I knew something needed to be done. Without my blog post, or with social media sharing my piece like wildfire, I'm not certain to change what would have ever occurred.