Descriptive Essay-Women's Resource Center (WRC)

Women’s Resource Center As I approached the building I was filled with a sense of slight befuddlement. There was no sign outside the door stating that it would lead to the women’s resource center. So as I walked with trepidation through the door, I was able to let out a sigh and calm my fast paced heart when the white sign that stated Women’s Resource Center (WRC) came into view. Already outside the door my ears were catching quick snippets of conversation coming from inside the room along with quiet laughter. When I advanced to the desk I was greeted with a large, blinding smile and instantly felt at ease. Dhauria, a third year student employee for the WRC, seemed to be thriving with energy. She held a gentle kind smile and expressive large brown eyes. The WRC itself resembled a living room. There was a green and blue couch, a television with movies strewn around the floor and a table with computers. There were also containers filled with pads, condoms, and lubricants displayed openly and freely. It did not fit into average
societal expectations; however, seeing it displayed like so felt uplifting. This location held no shame for displaying the items that helped a woman take care and responsibility for her body. Dhauria also seemed to strongly believe in the ideology that “this center offers a large amount of resources meant for women to feel secure and comfortable.” This statement made sense to me, the WRC was founded in 1973 and their main slogan is to empower women, and promote gender equity(UCR). As I asked what events they host annually she went on a long passionate monologue about two popular events. Last year Dhauria attended one of them, an event called Vagina Monologues, where women read monologues about things that women go through or have to face, “it was life changing, you should really go to the one this year.” As I listened, enraptured by the various events and resources this center hosts such as the Campus Safety Walk, one specific event caught my attention. “There is a Take Back the Night event where women who have suffered any type of abuse discuss what happened with those who understand and they take back what was stolen from them.” The statistics of abuse among college students are astounding. Forty-three percent of dating college women have experienced violence from a dating partner, while sixteen percent of college dating women experience sexual violence (Fifth & Pacific Companies). As I looked at Dhauria with her infectious smile I asked her a question that had been lingering in my mind, “what makes this resource center different from the others on campus?” She took a second and had a pondering look on her face before answering. “This center is different in the way that it addresses sensitive issues and focuses on awareness.”
The WRC does not sugarcoat women’s issues, that much is clear.
They have the resources people need if they suffer from any type of abuse or need counseling. There are pamphlets on their front counter on almost any issue from safe sex to spoken word therapy. Julia, a second year student with big blue eyes and short blonde hair visits the center frequently and told me, “I feel comfortable here, they have free printing and it is a nice place to study. It feels like a home. Everyone here is friendly; it makes me feel like I belong.” There were other students in the room as well, doing various activities. One group of girls were absorbed into studying with their flashcards, while another girl was printing a paper. There was a box of half eaten Halloween cookies on the main table with a few girls surrounding it. Everyone looked relaxed and happy. As I was pulled into polite conversation with the surrounding girls, I fell into a tranquil
state. The WRC has resources for women on campus. Nevertheless, it is not exclusive to women; people of all genders may use the center as a place to relax or use the free printing. There are many dangerous situations that a woman can find herself dealing with on campus, and the WRC is there to help them confront those situations head on. The WRC’s main goal is to empower women and make the public aware of the sensitive issues such as partner abuse and the need for self-defense. It is also a home for all those that enter.