Jennifer Long is a junior double majoring in WGSS and Anthropology. She also serves in a leadership role for the WGSS undergraduate organization, Faces of Feminism. This Spring, the faculty chose to recognize Jennifer as the Outstanding Undergraduate of the Year. In this interview, we talk more with Jennifer about her experience as an undergrad and her plans for the future.
What has been your most memorable experience in the WGSS dept at GSU?
My most memorable experiences in the WGSS program have happened when engaging with my club, Faces of Feminism. In one of our meetings, we designed tote bags and discussed women in textile arts. This meeting meant a lot to me, as it was nice to do something artistic and creative amid a writing-heavy semester. I have also always enjoyed the fika coffee breaks.
What lectures, readings, experiences, etc. have you enjoyed the most?
My favorite thing I've read during this program was the book Terrorist Assemblages by Jasbir Puar. I love reading pieces that challenge my understanding of the world. I read an excerpt from this book during Dr. Kubala's LGBT studies course, and I was so interested that I read more of the book outside of class. In this book, Puar examines how liberal politics push the war machine in the Middle East under the guise of feminism and queer advocacy. She coins the term "homonationalism" to describe the way homosexuality and the queer identity has been weaponized by US pro-war agendas. This book helped me reconstruct how I thought and talked about the United States' invasion in the Middle East. Terrorist Assemblages is an amazing book and something I refer back to often.
What is something useful you’ll take away from your time in the BA program in WGSS?
I am a very busy person and I allow myself to become this monstrous workaholic. Sometimes with all the academic hubbub, I forget that I'm 20. In this program, I am reminded of how many people have fought for me. I live a life incomprehensible to my ancestors. WGSS reminds me to love unapologetically. You spend hours reading book after book of tragedy, but also of hope. It is my job not only to be an advocate for softer voices but also to be constantly working toward my own betterment. Optimism in the face of oppression is a form of protest.
What are your future plans?
In the future, I will pursue my doctorate and hope to one day be an alright professor. I have always had a passion for learning, and my biggest goal is to help other people develop that same passion. I plan to focus my research on sexual health and sex education. Growing up, I did not have a healthy dialogue surrounding my own body and sexuality, so I know how important open discussion is. My goal as an educator is to be kind, understanding, and fair.
Any advice for prospective students considering a degree in WGSS?
My advice to any future WGSS students is to work without fear. Find what you're interested in and find the spaces to engage with it. I know getting a humanities degree comes with its challenges, but if you love something, deeply, you are successful in your own right.