Name: Hayley Yussman
Year: 2018
Major/Minor: English and Political Science Double Major
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Campus Activities: Writer for The Collegian, KCET, UCC, Wiggin Street Elementary Volunteer, Title IX advocate
Hi Hayley! You’re one of the staff writers for the Kenyon Collegian. What kinds of articles do you like to write about for the Collegian?
I really like writing articles that raise awareness about pervasive yet largely ignored issues on college campuses, such as assault, victim blaming, and heteronormativity. They tend to garner a fair amount of attention for a good cause.
Is writing what inspired you to be an English major?
No, actually! I came to Kenyon intending to be a psychology and neuroscience double major on a possible pre-med track. After I took Writing The Mind with Professor Jesse Matz, I enjoyed it so much and realized I had to be an English major. I just think the written word is one of the most powerful ways to spark discourse and enact change.
What sparked your interest in politics and made you want to double major with PolySci?
I always knew I wanted to work in the arena of human rights, but I wasn’t sure what area I wanted to specialize in. After my experiences at Kenyon, I’ve realized that I want to focus on women’s rights and advocacy for survivors of rape, abuse, and trauma.
Would you want to follow in your parents’ footsteps and become a lawyer?
No, I may practice law at some point in time, but my ultimate goal is to either run the National Organization for Women or open and lead a similar organization focusing on survivor advocacy. I’m more interested in changing policy and decreasing stigma than practicing law.
I’ve heard you are relieved that Andrea Goldblum, the former Title IX coordinator, has been replaced by Samantha Hughes. How do you feel about the new change and what its effect will have at Kenyon?
I am glad that the Title IX system is changing and I’m hoping that it results in more educated investigators and clearer sanctions for perpetrators of gender-based and sexual violence. I’m really happy to be seeing some positive changes within our institution, and I hope they continue!
April is America’s Sexual Assault Awareness month. What is your favorite part about spreading awareness?
My favorite part about spreading awareness and sharing my story is when people tell me that I’ve given them the strength to live another day, because that’s really why I do it. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re actually making any progress, and, to me, when I hear something like that, it reaffirms to me that I’m working on something important and helping people.
If you were a horse, what kind would you be?
I would be a unicorn. Hands down.
What is your ideal “prospie date”?
I think all prospies should have a chance to see The Gap Trail!
What’s one thing you really want to do before this semester ends?
I really want to swim in the Kokosing….I’ve never done that!
Image Credit: Hayley Yussman, Giphy, Clara Yetter