Celebrating International Women’s Day at Sheridan
by: Isabelle Hua
Memory and I are far from even being acquaintances; however, I do recall one from my earliest years. It almost seems like it just took place days before.
“Draw a picture of what you want to be when you group up, and then we’re going to share it with the class.”
That’s what my kindergarten teacher told us to do. Fun, right? At the time, I wanted to be a wrestler. Looking at my current state—yeah, not happening bud, but that’s besides the point. So I began scribbling and plastering my high-quality art skills on the big blank sheet of paper (aka me as a stick figure and a sad attempt at a wrestling ring), finishing around 15-ish minutes and waiting on the other remaining students to finish up as well.
Presentations were finally happening, and as excited as I was to share my elite masterpiece, no way was I going first. I waited for the sixth person to share their work and then I finally decided it was my time to shine. I stood up in front of the class, held my drawing in front of me, and told them what it was. Me as a wrestler.
Jeez, the confused looks on their faces definitely scarred me for eternity. It felt pretty awkward standing up there and as if it couldn’t get any worse…. “Girls aren’t wrestlers.” That’s what one of the kids said and some seemed to agree.
I still think about this experience today, and to be completely transparent, I’m not sure why. I think it’s because I got older and am currently taking the Honours Bachelor of Community Safety program which includes courses related to this issue.
We often eat what society feeds us and it’s even worse when it’s happening at the prime age of youth. Pink as a “girl's colour,” Princesses waiting on their princes (an actual Disney song by the way) to get their happily ever after, clothing styles, behaviour, etc. The list goes on and on. Even when we’re not told it, we’re shown it. I mean, we all walked down the toy aisles as kids. Huge difference.
I find it intriguing yet scary how much societal gender roles, norms, and expectations influence the perception of young ones. Kindergarten me didn't think it was “impossible” for me to be a wrestler, with the only reason being that I was a little girl. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t crush my dreams and shape the way I thought afterwards.
But time is changing.
We’re encouraging people to not accept but challenge gender roles, norms, and expectations. We’re showing more women's representation in male-dominated fields. Recently, I attended a community fair at Davis and being there to see the women that were there to represent Peel Regional Police and Brampton Fire Emergency Services was absolutely amazing. You could tell they were extremely passionate about their careers and loved what they did. Time is surely changing.
So to my younger self,
You can be and do whatever you want if you put your mind to it, if you believe in your potential, and if you put trust in yourself.