Name: Stella Elwood
Class Year: 2019
Major: Psychology, Pre-Veterinary track, double minor in Gender Studies and Chemistry
Hometown: Stoughton, MA
Why did you choose Mount Holyoke?
I visited the campus during the Focus on Diversity weekend during my senior year in high school and my hosts made me feel so welcome. They basically adopted me into the community, which I discovered was quite liberal and accepting. I was always the black sheep in high school, so it was nice to have found a place where I really felt a sense of belonging.
Which orgs do you belong to?
Animal Welfare Association (AWA), Amnesty International, Bedsider MHC, Planned Parenthood Generation Action, and Renegades (I don’t sleep; please don’t follow my example.)
What sparked your passion in animal rights?
Growing up, my dad worked the night shift as a vet tech at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, so I was always around animals. I quickly developed a fondness for them, which quickly translated into me standing up for their rights. I started out with shelter work, and then realized that there are so many animals other than cats and dogs who need help. That’s when I branched out into veg/farm animal activism, anti-testing, anti-captivity, anti-fur campaigns, etc. (there’s honestly too many to list).
How have you helped promote animal rights on MHC’s campus?
I got involved with the Animal Welfare Association during my first semester here at MHC. We had a campaign called Cruelty-Free Winter, which educated people about good alternatives to fur, leather, and down coats. We also did lots of trips to a shelter in Springfield, where we helped with dog walking and enrichment. I then got a job as a campus organizer for The Humane League, which is an awesome farm animal rights organization, and they helped me to promote Meatless Mondays, veganism, and vegan alternatives on campus.
And what would you say is your proudest achievement in that regard?
I’m really happy to say that MHC switched out most of its mayonnaise supply for a vegan substitute due to my efforts last semester, and I’m excited for more victories like that that are bound to happen in the future! I’ve also had lots of people coming to me saying that they’re trying to going vegan or vegetarian this year, and that’s always a really awesome experience for me.
And what are your goals for this year?
I hope to do lots of educational field trips with the Animal Welfare Association, as I’m its president for this year. It really boggles my mind that the majority of students have never met a cow, pig, or chicken. before, so I really hope to visit VINE Sanctuary in Vermont with a group of AWA members. I also just want to get the org a better foothold on campus. Last year, we didn’t have very many members, and I think it would be awesome if we could expand a bit.
What advice would you give to people who are considering a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle?
Please, please, please send me a message on Facebook if you’re an MHC student and I’ll help you every step of the way. Also, and this applies to everyone, cut things out of your diet slowly. For example, chocolate milk used to be one of my favorite things ever, so it was the first thing I stopped consuming when I decided to go vegan (I mean, I have chocolate soymilk now, so it wasn’t a big issue for me). It was all easy from there on out. That being said, everyone’s different, and no two transitions are the same. Something that was easy for me may be a bit harder for other people, and that’s okay. It’s important to have a goal, no matter how long it takes you to achieve it.
How can other MHC students get involved in the animal rights movement?
Join AWA! I cannot stress this enough because you will learn so much about the movement just by showing up to our meetings. If you have a specific interest (ie. vegan outreach, animal testing, etc.), please reach out to me and I can set you up with a list of outside organizations that cater to your own needs. I’m pretty much a walking encyclopedia of Animal Rights information, so I’m sure I could find something for you!
Now, onto some less-serious questions! What did you do for fun this summer?
When I wasn’t at my intern/externships (which was most of my time), I was going on adventures, including but not limited to, a tour of a vegan chocolate factory and a Rob Zombie concert with my significant other, and volunteering at a local animal shelter. Summer is the tail end of kitten season, so we were swamped with cuteness.
Which class are you most looking forward to taking this semester?
I’m honestly really liking my Reproductive Technologies (Gender Studies) course. It’s just a really interesting subject that I haven’t thought about that much before, but probably should have, since it’s so relevant in the modern day.
If you could chat with your ten-year-old self, what would you want to say?
Things will get better in about five years; I promise. Also, don’t ever give up on your dream of becoming a veterinarian, no matter how awful your high school science teachers make you feel.
What advice would you give to our new firsties?
Keep an open mind and be open to constructive criticism. Also, join AWA!
If you would like to write for Her Campus Mount Holyoke, or if you have any questions or comments for us, please email mt-holyoke@hercampus.com.