This semester, Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL) has taken on the “You’re Not the Only One” initiative. The initiative stems in the value of self love and addresses heavy topics including body image and eating disorders. Through the initiative, the club hopes to offer resources to the campus community and spread positive tools and messaging that can be used going forward.
“I feel like it’s not talked about enough, when in reality, everyone has had trouble with their body acceptance at one point or another. Like the title says, this initiative acts to remind everyone that they are not alone in their body insecurities and eating issues, and I think that’s crucial in this day and age, especially how relevant it is with the popularity of social media,” said Briana Dudley, 18, the secretary of WILL.
As part of the initiative, WILL is hosting a webinar 7 p.m. Dec. 1 via Zoom. In partnership with the Food Science club, their initiative of the semester will be the focal point. The club is strongly encouraging all to register and join the event.
“For the students who think about attending, I think it’s an invaluable experience. Even if you don’t know someone with an eating disorder, this presentation is about self love and trying to raise awareness about something often overlooked and misrepresented,” said 19-year-old Food Science President Abbey Isaac.
Sophia Arena, a member of WILL, created the logo for the event.
“This project is super important to me because a lot of people, especially teens and people our age are affected by eating disorders and negative self body image and I have personally known people who have suffered from eating disorders and body dysmorphia,” said Arena, a 19-year-old psychology major. “I think everyone at some point in their lives has been a little self conscious about how they look and I myself have struggled with my self image in the past, but I have grown to love my body the way it is. And I think this webinar could be a great resource for those struggling to learn how to not only accept but to also love their bodies and how to properly take care of it.”
“This webinar would also be super beneficial to those who don’t know much about eating disorders and would inform them more so that the topic is less judged and stigmatized. And people can be more empathetic and notice some of the warning signs of an eating disorder, so that they can get help for either themselves or others,” she said.
Through this webinar, the club hopes to touch on the stigmas surrounding the subject and make progress toward breaking them.
“There’s so much stigma around anything related to eating disorders. Having conversations about it helps people know that they’re not alone and that there’s others who can help them. There are many factors that contribute to eating disorders, so I think it’s important to break down misconceptions of it,” said external communications manager of WILL Nidia Jiménez-Barrios.
Another specific matter the group is tackling is how body image is displayed in the media. With the rise of social media to a younger generation, the club found it a topic that needs to be addressed.
“The media says that women and girls should look one way and only one way and if you do not fit that description then you should be ashamed of your body. A lot of what the media puts out about beauty standards leads to eating disorders, not just for women and girls but men as well.
Our webinar is going to talk about body positivity and loving your body. If you have ever been made to feel bad about your body from media like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or from real people in your life please consider attending,” said Vice President of WILL Madison Carroll.
The group recognizes the sensitivity of the matter being discussed and has reached out to student
services at Brookdale to attend. It is further emphasized that this webinar is a safe space for attendees.
“This project is important to me because my childhood friend has anorexia, and she was wasting away and there was nothing I could do about it. I always tried to start a conversation about it, but she always dropped it and changed the subject. This webinar starts the conversation but in a way that doesn’t single anybody out or in an accusatory manner. I think WILL really tries to make a safe place for those struggling and for family and friends of those struggling to learn more about what their loved ones are going through and how to help,” said 25-year-old WILL member Jessica LaCalamito.
“I would tell any student thinking of attending this webinar that they should because eating disorders and negative self image affects tons of people and even if they are not dealing with it themselves, it is very likely that they know someone that may be dealing with it in secret. And this webinar could be really helpful in spotting warning signs of eating disorders and allow them to be more informed, so that they can open a discussion with anyone who is suffering from an eating disorder or negative self image and be able to offer them the right help and support that they need,” Arena said.
“I would tell the students attending to love their body no matter what. All life is a miracle of science and our bodies are something to be respected and cherished. It doesn’t matter what weight you are, I promise no one looks that deeply into it as you do, but we are our souls not our bodies, and if you find someone who has conditions about your body to their love, that is not real love or healthy love,” adds LaCalamito.
To register for the webinar, please click here:
https://brookdalecc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_btlo_kaeS9WN9GtXAV9MBg
WILL looks forward to your attendance and please remember: You are not alone.