Introduction Letter

     I am a writer. I love to write fiction, non-fiction, essays, poems, plays- anything you can think of. However, I have always had issues writing about myself. So, I guess I should begin with the most obvious part. My name is Erika Saeb and I have lived in Florida since 1997. I am majoring in Biology and hope to do research on predatory animals, mainly big cats, and further people's understanding of them.

What types of activism do you do now? How do you feel about activism? Why?

     In 2005, I started volunteering with animals. Because of this, I have become a huge advocate for animal rights. I started with the Brevard Zoo, where I would just basically hold animals such as lizards, snakes or small rodents, and show them to the public. I also worked at the Florida Animal Hospital and helped take care of local animals that were sick or injured. I now dedicate most of my time to CFAR (Central Florida Animal Reserve) where I actually work with big cats. I get to feed them, give them medicine and, of course, clean their cages. Getting the chance to be exposed to so many different kinds of animals has allowed me to understand them in a way most people do not. Being an activist is important because it helps spread your message and raise awareness. But when it comes to animal rights, the most effective technique is to educate people about them. Whether I am talking about why we should have strict regulations on the exotic pet trade or trying to save an endangered species, the hope is that they will walk away with a better understanding.

Why do you find gender important—or not—in your life?

   
  I do not find gender to be a huge issue in my life. I come from a Middle Eastern family and just because of this, I am already plagued with this stereotype of being submissive and letting the men run the household. I am not speaking for every person who has grown up in a Middle Eastern culture, but for my family, this simply is not the case. I was expected to go to college, earn a decent degree and eventually find a good job. So, just because I am a woman, my family expectations of me are no different than they are for men

What do you think feminism is? How is it different than women’s studies?

     I have always thought that feminism was more of a movement to raise awareness and gain women’s rights. For this reason, I always considered myself a feminist. What I did not realize was just how philosophical the movement is and how many negative connotations surround it. In other words, I did not realize I would face negative consequences for labeling myself as one. I have always thought it was empowering and my own contribution to those in the past who fought for women's rights. There are extremists in every group out there and it is not right to believe that all feminists are bra-burning or man-hating I suppose the difference between feminism and women's studies is simple. Feminism is a movement and women's studies is an academic tool used to understand and explain what feminism truly is.


I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course and blogging protocols outlined in the syllabus.