Stories of Lee: International Women's Month - Kaitlyn Anderson

"I AM A STRONG WOMAN BECAUSE A STRONG WOMAN RAISED ME." - Kaitlyn Anderson

Meet Kaitlyn Anderson from Guntersville, AL. She is a senior graduating in December majoring in Art: Graphic Design Emphasis.

How do you feel about being a woman on campus and does that affect your daily life?

Kaitlyn: Lee is interesting because we are actually a majority here--population wise--and you do not find that everywhere. So, its kind of interesting coming from my social groups of church and high school, where I would be a minority. Then, coming here being a majority, it does kind of change that a little bit. Lee as an institution is branded towards women, that is quite interesting to think about. I don’t really have any feelings about Lee being related to my identity as a woman. I don’t really see them together in the same space honestly. When I think Of Lee, I think about evangelicalism in general, which isn't always the most kind to women. I think there are a lot of women on campus who are fighting that stigma and I feel like I am a part of that. It is a hard battle for sure.

What women do you look up to in Life or on campus?

Kaitlyn: In my life, I look up to my mom, I feel kind of cheesy saying that because everyone says that. However, I fought for the good relationship I have with my mom. So, part of it comes naturally but at the same time, I have done a lot of work to develop our relationship. I actually participated in the #WomensMarch a month ago. My friends and I were making signs for it, I made a sign that said, ‘I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me.” It is really interesting to look at our relationship because we really don't always agree on everything. She does not necessarily agree with some of my feminist tendencies but we still both recognize each other as strong women.I think it is important to realize that not every woman will live out the identity in a way you think its best, but they are still a strong woman. And so, I look up to her for that reason.

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Tell me ONE THING you want guys to hear from you!

Kaitlyn: Interesting…I guess in general, being a woman, or womanhood does not always look the same. I do not want to group all men in a certain category, just in a way I don’t want to be grouped in a certain category just because of my sex. I do find a lot of times that at least some sexist tendencies that I have noticed are usually because the perpetrator (men or women) of the sexist comment is not realizing that their version of womanhood is just as viable as anybody else is. So, it is not very inclusive, and they are some sort of difference in their mind. That is not what fits into my definition of woman, I don’t like that; derogatory comments usually ensues. I would say in general, not even to just men (women also can be seen as disruptive towards their own gender) just because someone is not "doing womanhood" the way that you think it should be done or being a woman in a way you don’t agree does not mean that it is any less valuable or viable.

What is your favorite Verse or Quote?

Kaitlyn: “Few in this world are ever simply nasty; those who hurt us are themselves in pain. The appropriate response is hence never cynicism nor aggression but, at the rare moments one can manage it, always love.” -Alain De Botton