Barnard as a Catalyst for Self-Discovery Audrey Pettit

In childhood, amid Barbies and pink wallpaper, I had the privilege of ignorance. But when I was catcalled by a man twice my age, the uncomfortable reality came into focus. At age thirteen, I realized my gender influences how others perceive me. For my catcaller, my womanhood reduced me to an object. But at Barnard College, my femininity makes me powerful. I would be surrounded by women at the top of their fields who prove this—whether that’s professors researching Ntozake Shange’s archives or peers pioneering a social justice workshop. Around every corner lies a source of inspiration. The college provides a diverse environment based on female empowerment rather than competition.

Barnard would embrace every part of my identity: the unapologetic feminist, the English nerd, and the perfectionist ballerina. The college’s versatility would allow me to explore my passions by utilizing its high-ranking English, Dance, and Political Science programs. I can write for Echoes, voicing my beliefs, or join the Emerging Leaders Program, surrounding myself with people motivated for change. I can cultivate personal growth while improving the world around me.

In my career, I want to work towards a future where women are judged for their...