So last night I had my first event! It was my creation that had my name on it. It was liberating to be setting up and taking down. For those of you who do not know what this amazing event was, it was called, “A Walk in Her Shoes.” We had 22 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville male students strut their stuff on stage to resemble the struggle that domestic violence victims experience on a day to day basis. All of the proceeds benefited the Oasis Women’s Center in Alton, IL. Oasis Women’s Center is a shelter for victims, women, men, and children. Oasis helps these people get back on their feet and they help that individual have the opportunity to start new, without she or he’s abuser.
The event was everything we asked for. The “stiletto strutters”, as we called them, showed off their heels. Some of them cheated with their huge wedges, you know who you are. The community came together with support and donations for the cause. With no money to put on this event, we were still able to raise hundreds of dollars. My team worked so hard all semester long and all of it paid off last night.
I can’t help but feel bitter sweet at this moment. We did everything that we set out to do and then some, however, it is all over. In a few weeks I will be graduating and everything will change. My amazing team will be no more. The people that I grew to enjoy will not be in my presence every day like I am used to. I will not get to see that redhead’s big smile or the other’s sassy attitude. I will not get to walk to my car after class everyday with that same intelligent women and I will not be embraced with the power of the Lamb anymore. For the future people who will work with me, you have some tough shoes to fill. This powerful group of fellow students will forever be a part of this memory of my first event. I owe all of our success to them.
help from a violent situation please call 1-800-244-1978. Everything is strictly confidential.
Stop domestic violence by eliminating the silence.
