Name: Juliette Rihl
Year: Senior
Major: Political Science and Nonfiction Writing
Her Campus: What led you to pick your major(s)?
Juliette Rihl: I have always loved to write, and have had a deep interest in obtaining a global perspective. My original plan was to become a tough, hard-hitting foreign correspondent for a major newspaper, like the New York Times. However, since coming to Pitt my interests—and the state of print media— have shifted, and I’m now planning on pursuing a career in social justice, hopefully in international human rights law.
HC: What are you involved in on campus?
JR: I’m a sister of Tri Sigma, a brother of the pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta, and the president of Female Empowerment Movement (FEM). I’ve recently begun doing research for the political science department on women’s rights in developing countries, which is super cool. You can also catch me fulfilling my duty as an unofficial brand ambassador for Sorrento’s on the weekends.
HC: Can you tell me more about FEM?
JR: Sure! FEM is a new organization on campus that’s dedicated to empowering and educating students. We want to create a social dialogue on campus that centers around understanding each other’s differences, empowerment through personal and professional development, and, of course, gender issues. While our name suggests that we’re a female-only organization, our mission is to empower ALL students, and many of the ideas that we plan on implementing next semester are just as much geared towards guys as they are ladies!
HC: What made you want to start this club?
JR: Honestly, I came from a pretty homogenous background where women and minority rights weren’t really discussed, and self empowerment wasn’t given much attention. It took me almost four years at Pitt to realize the importance of these things and to develop my own understanding of them. Through FEM, I hope we can give students a chance to be exposed to them earlier on, so that they can start developing their own sense of empowerment and understanding sooner than I did.
HC: What do you hope for FEM to develop into in the future?
JR: A beautiful, eclectic, badass group of empowered individuals who see the value in lifting others up and embracing diversity. I want FEM to be an organization that everyone feels comfortable joining, and that gives its members a platform to share their unique voice.
HC: What is your favorite part of going to Pitt/going to school in Pittsburgh?
JR: Pittsburgh is a perpetual underdog story. Every time this school or this city accomplishes something, it’s as if it was the biggest upset in history. I love that. I will never stop rooting Pittsburgh on.
HC: If you could tell your high school self one thing about college, what would it be and why?
JR: To constantly keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Take the class that you know nothing about but sounds interesting. Join the Quidditch club, even if you’ve never played a sport in your life. Ask that person to grab coffee with you. Go out even though you have a million papers to write. Leave the security bubble that is Oakland and explore another neighborhood. Do something new. These four years fly by. Use them.
PS. I’m so glad you asked this question, because *shameless plug* FEM is beginning a campaign next semester called “What I Wish I Knew.” We’ll be asking students across campus to tell us what they wish they knew before coming to Pitt, whether it be that it’s okay to speak out about your mental health or that Mad Mex is half off after 11:00 PM (both important things to know), and will be creating an awesome collection of helpful tips and inspiring lessons to share with classes to come. Stay tuned!
HC: How can people get more involved with FEM?
JR: Join! If you want writing, video, event planning, editing, social media, graphic design, or social justice experience, OR if you’re just a cool human who wants to be empowered and empower others, then we’re your people. We’ll be holding our first information session after break, so check out our blog and Twitter for updates, or email us at PittFEM@gmail.com. Want to check us out but don’t have time to join a new club? Show your support by stopping by one of our upcoming events!
Photo Credits: Provided by the interviewee