Sarah Says

If I've had a mission these past four years here at Otterbein, it would have been to help give an empowered voice to the younger, less vocal, queer population of this campus.

I wanted so much to be the voice who spoke up for anyone who ever felt uncomfortable in their dorms because of their bigoted hallmates, or who ever sat quiet and nervous in the back of the classroom because of homophobic classmates or professors.

As I get ready to graduate, if I had to cite one issue that mattered to me above all else, it would be equal rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and queer (GLBTQ) people on this campus and in society.

Maybe that was one reason I decided to go into a career in Student Affairs. I didn't know how journalism was going to allow me to make it happen in society, but I know a career in Student Affairs will allow me to help students on a college campus somewhere.

Since I've been here, I have helped FreeZone form itself into a visible and freestanding active student organization. We have stood up against homophobic defamation splattered across the walls of this campus for years.

I have seen a glorious transformation from no GLBTQ representation among faculty and staff, to the formation of the Advisory Committee. When I came, there was no safe place in Residence Life, but then came the GLBTQ and Gender Resource Theme House, which I had the privilege of living in.

I can safely say that things have improved here since I was a freshman. Many annual events now take place on campus - like the National Day of Silence and FreeZone's Other Prom, - which make me hopeful that even when I leave, the climate of Otterbein will continue to shift toward the better.

As I say goodbye, I need to thank Suzanne, because without her, I truly would not be here today. I also need to thank all of the members of the Advisory Committee, including Kate, Angela, Monty and Bob Gatti for their tireless effort and commitment to equality.

I want to recognize all of FreeZone's members, our campus allies and our new Freezone Executive Board: Matt, Molly, Janet, Liz, Chris, Devon and Michelle. They are the organization's hope for a long and important future.

I hope that all of you will make it your mission to become the empowering voice that I have tried to be. t&c;

---