Sunday, February 20, 2011

I'm Coming Out! (I Want The World To Know...)

Since I've started this blog, I've been careful not to reveal too much about my identity because of the sensitive nature of my job.  This past week, however, I've realized that my pride for my students far outweighs the boundaries of disclosure.

As a counselor for Access Opportunity Programs and the faculty coordinator and advisor of the Women's Leadership Institute at SUNY Geneseo, I have the pleasure of working with some of the brightest students who are not only academically astute, they are also leaders and community activists.  When adversity strikes, such as the earthquake in Haiti last year, the suicides of several young males who were bullied because of their sexual orientation, the passing of a child from leukemia, or the death of a baby, only 9 days old, from congenital heart disease, these students pour their hearts, time and efforts into creating awareness and making change. 

Today, I want to share some of those efforts, especially those that were shared with the world via YouTube this week.  I am proud to say that I know these students, and for this reason, I'm coming out.  Kind of.  Just to let you know that I am proud of the students in the Access Opportunity Programs and the Women's Leadership Institute for being the catalysts for change this world needs.

The videos below speak for themselves!

Hearts for Sammy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzQUv3EkByw

SUNY Geneseo - It Gets Better
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sap_ofJv5bQ

Please watch, enjoy, and come out in support of the change our young people are making in the world!

~Trish

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