How the Gender and Sexuality Alliance at Millersville Impacted My College Years

When I first started college I was a shy naive 18-year-old and starting somewhere totally new was scary to me. The first couple years at Millersville, I barely socialized and spent all my time on school work. I felt alone and homesick at times. Something needed to change. 

In my sophomore year of college, I decided to join clubs. The organization outbreak was a good place to start finding clubs to join. One stood out to me. Honestly, I was a bit nervous about joining GSA. I remember going to the first meeting and feeling how nervous I was. But once I got there we all did an icebreaker game. We shared our names, pronouns and fun facts about ourselves. It ended up becoming a weekly evening Wednesday thing for me. Every Wednesday I had that to look forward to. I had the chance to get to know some awesome people. Despite having different journeys and different upbringings, perspectives, we were united. We could relate to each other’s struggles.

 

I think being in the GSA helped me come into my own. It helped me be more confident in my sexuality and have pride in who I am. I am now a lot  happier and comfortable with others and myself.  It helped me gain my own fashion sense. I started wearing things that I wanted, and not being afraid of standing out.  My denim jacket was a staple of many college outfits and looks, I still wear it today. I am so happy that I found a group of people that made me feel welcome and loved every time I entered or left.  I think my peers and colleagues in GSA succeed  in having a safe space to talk about anything. I will cherish lasting friendships with people I have met through this organization. I felt like I mattered to people, I felt like they appreciated me for all of me. I love all of them!!

Thank you for the memories, the pride fests, the bingo nights, the craft nights. These are just some moments I will look back on dearly. I also hope the organization grows and continues to do great things. 

 

HCXO, Sharon Curcuru

• be happy
• friendship goals
• fun
• gsa
• LGBTQ community
• life
• Millersville