Blog
We think often of our interns in the Class 2020 and were delighted when a recent update from Maddie Fleischmann assured us that she's not only faring well but remembering here time at the Women's Center just as fondly as we do. Earlier this month, International Women's Day put Maddie in mind of how much she enjoyed working with other interns to celebrate the same day on Grounds in 2019.
Major: Biology & Foreign Affairs
Year: Fourth Year
1. What brought you to the Women's Center?
There's something really special about the people at the Women's Center. Each person has a riveting perspective to bring, analyzes societal implications so deliberately, and fights hard for change. I wanted to work alongside those individuals, as well as channel my usual rants into actual and productive action.
In the wake of the shootings at three massage parlors in Atlanta on Tuesday evening, the Women’s Center stands in solidarity with the Asian American community and honors the lives of those killed. We reiterate our commitment to the needed collective action to ensure justice and safety for all. Among the many painful elements of the coronavirus pandemic is the rise in racialized violence against Asian Americans, and we denounce this violence.
Name: Sophie Thionville
Major: History with a French Minor
Year: Fourth Year
1. What brought you to the Women’s Center?
As a transfer student, I was looking for a meaningful way to get involved in the UVA community. I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that promotes such great resources and creates awareness.
2. What is your favorite memory of UVA thus far?
Questions about life’s meaning are at the heart of grief after a death. We grieve because we love, and we are alive, and loving connection gives life meaning. Grief is a normal response to loss, not an illness, even though it can feel like one. Not everyone has the same reactions, on the same schedule. There is no one way to grieve.
When you are grieving, it is common to feel:
Major: Economics and History with a minor in Statistics
Year: Second
1. What brought you to the Women's Center?
I found the Women’s Center in the fall of my first year when I was trying to find something similar to the social justice and women’s rights work that I was involved in during high school. Unfortunately, the application was not open at that time, so I wrote down the date and remembered to apply a couple months later!
It’s been about one whole month since the inauguration of our nation’s new administration, which also means it’s been about one whole month since we were graced with the powerful, provocative words of Amanda Gorman in her poem “The Hill We Climb” (if you haven’t had the chance to watch it, I highly recommend that you watch it here).
Major: Political Science
Year: Third Year
1. What brought you to the Women’s Center?
Wanting to work with our local Charlottesville community and be able to give back.
2. How has a mentor impacted you?
I’ve made such amazing friends who are strong and powerful. They have taught me to be strong like they are, even when I don’t feel like I can be.
3. Who is a woman that inspires you?
Year: Fourth
Major: Commerce & Psychology
1. What brought you to the Women's Center?
The YWLP mentoring program was being promoted in a WGS class I took first year and I was excited to apply as a Big!
2. How has a mentor impacted you?
I’ve had a few awesome mentors throughout my life. I’ve had mentors help me tremendously in internship & job searches and they’ve also just helped me stay focused and encouraged.
1. What brought you to the Women's Center?
I was first introduced to the Women's Center through their counseling program. I was attracted to the idea of working on a team of just women as it appeared to be a more comfortable space in which I can truly express my thoughts and feelings. On top of that, being surrounded by a group of strong, supportive, diverse women that share similar passions as me is constant motivation to be the best version of myself.
2. What is your favorite memory of UVA thus far?