Final blog: What an incredible and life-changing experience!

As my time with WomenNC draws to a close, I feel very bittersweet. I have enjoyed my time with WomenNC immensely. Reflecting back on the program I see all the amazing work that has been done by everyone involved and I feel honored to have been a part of it.

WomenNC gave me the opportunity to research rural women's experience with anxiety and depression, something i've been very interested in since I came to college. My experience with WomenNC has been so much different than my experience in mental health research labs; through WomenNC I was able to receive so much first hand experience that not many undergraduates can say they have and for that I am truly grateful and honored. WomenNC has not only impacted my future by providing me with invaluable experience, but it has also given me a deeper insight and deeper passion for women's human rights. I know that from here out, wherever I go, I will take my new gendered perspective and I know I will always be a strong advocate for women's human rights.

Similarly, WomenNC has given me an amazing network of strong and inspiring women to look up to and reach out to. From the people I met at the UN, to our board to the other fellows, I will never forget the incredible people I've met.

This year has been full of ups and downs, incredible experiences, sad experiences, eye opening experiences and various other experiences I can't even put words to. I will never forget speaking at the UN, developing my policy brief or creating bonds with all of the other fellows.

This year almost feels like I am graduating twice: once from the WomenNC Fellowship program and, here in a few weeks, from UNC Chapel Hill. I don't know where my future will lead me quite yet, but I do know WomenNC and this fellowship has influenced the trajectory.

All in all, my experience at WomenNC has been incredible. I have learned so much through my research, my partner organization, the other amazing fellows and the incredible board. I am so grateful for all WomenNC has done for me and so grateful for the amazing experiences I have had!

Catch y'all later. :)
-Olivia