A young woman's perspective

 Films such as Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games have experienced overwhelming success at the box office. Each film has significantly impacted the life of almost every American teen/tween. I will admit  off of the bat that I have not read the The Hunger Games novels. However, I found major characters in Lionsgate's adaption of  Suzanne Collin's trilogy especially fascinating for it's portrayal of female characters. I saw Mockingjay Part 1 while on a date this weekend, I remember about half way through the movie, I realized that District 13 had a female President, Alma Coin. In the film, she lead the rebellion against the capitol. There was one point during the film where the capitol almost discovered the weakened District 13. Instead of continuing to fight with the capitol, President Coin did nothing. By remaining passive during combat the enemy couldn't find District 13s hide out. At this point,  her decision making process made me feel extremely empowered as a young woman. I have found that sometimes a women's best offense is a great defense. President Coin's passiveness is trait commonly associated with women, and negatively portrayed in popular culture. However, this film shows how passiveness can be a silent strength stronger that any direct weapon during combat.

I remember mumbling during the film, "Wow they have a female President" my date responded, "Yeah, a girl must've written this book"...I woman did write this book, in history I have never heard of a man writing about a female heroin or leader (to anyone reading this feel free to correct me on this statement if you know of one who has, I would actually like to be enlightened). I realized in this moment, how important good female writers are. I find Katniss's character so beautiful because she defies so many gender stereotypes and creates a new 21st century female heroine.

There are so many aspects of the movie that are really, really interesting I wish I could share them but I don't want to spoil the movie... When watching it, pay attention to how the women fight, and respond to crisis. I truly find the female characters in this movie diverse, strong and fascinating.

School

Happy Monday everyone. For many of us, the month of November marks "no school November" and the beginning of the holiday seasons. But for a college student the month of November should mean, CRUNCH TIME. Yes, finals begin at Spelman College in exactly one month and Thanksgiving Break is in two weeks. Basically the grades we leave with before break are the grades we are stuck with for the remainder of the semester. Am I freaking out: YES. Lesson to all viewing this blog, if you work as hard throughout the semester as we do during crunch time, well..there wouldn't be a crunch time and we would all have A's. Here are some study tips for these last few weeks:

If you're like I am, and have a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Friday evenings are a great time to get work done. The time between your last class and the turn up is crucial. Instead of using it to watch netflix, eat a snack or turn up during the day..just stop. Take an hour or two out to read, take notes or do an assignment.

While you're watching movies on Saturday morning/ getting over the night before's events take the time to study more. Study Sundays will feel a lot more relaxing than before. I promise.

A new me

Hi my name is Taylor Debnam. I am originally from Portland, Oregon but for the past four months I have been going to school in Atlanta, Georgia at Spelman College. Before coming to school, I had a million and one scenarios of what my college experience would be like, most of them surrounded around an anticipated freedom. I'm beginning to realize this anticipated freedom, is essentially a chance to "go my own way." This opportunity mixed with the liberal arts, black feminist education I'm receiving at Spelman College is greatly shifting the way I view the world. I'm creating this blog to document my ideas, fashion, art and just anything I like. I've found that when we share our opinions, it opens forums and platforms to connect with other's. Join me on my journey of self-awareness. One rule: ignorance ain't welcome.

xoxo 

Tay Deb.