White Girl Privilege

I consider myself to be sensitive and aware of others, their struggles and culture;  therefore, it is difficult and uncomfortable to look at and often admit there are definite advantages to being white. In spite of some of my own struggles and difficulties, I can only say that I am blessed and full of gratitude for the many opportunities and privileges in my life.

This past week I spent a day at the Early Childhood Intervention Lab.  It made me think about all I take for granted. I don't have a special needs child nor am I afflicted with any kind of  physical or learning disability.  My days have no struggles in comparison to the many who find something as simple as getting dressed a challenge.  And so it is with being a white female, I take a lot for granted.

• I can walk into any neighborhood, night or day, and nobody questions my motives for being there
• I have favor with the valet guy, the waiter, the bartender, the coffee shop attendant
• Moving to Austin, nobody questioned my ability to live where I was looking
• I can be in an upscale store and no one judges my ability to purchase any item
• I can be in relationships with only white men and women
• I can assume I will never have a person of another race as a supervisor
• My workplace is predominantly white
• My social circle allows me introductions to other privileged white people
• Strangers assume the best not the worst
• I can sit alone in a restaurant, bar or coffee shop and not be questioned about my motives
• Not having to learn a new language to communicate with my peers
• Policemen always assume I have auto insurance
• The majority of my friends have white girl privileges
• I am not accused of dressing to make a statement about my culture or ethnicity
• If I complain about how I am treated,  I don't get accused of playing the race card

These are just a few of the many advantages and there are so many that I overlook and forget.  I can only hope that I will treat others with respect and dignity regardless of race, culture, SES and skin color. 

My Culture

Individuals...we are multifaceted and many parts make a whole.  Part of my being is female. This consists of daughter, sister, friend and mother.  All are important and have helped mold me into the person I am today. My experience varies in each of those relationships; however, it is through  the challenges, acceptance and love of others that we become who we are.




Not only being female but being a white female, fortunately or unfortunately, has an advantage in our society. Unfortunately being a divorced, white female has another set of challenges economically and socially. I am keenly more aware of this through aging, experience and studies.  I am grateful yet saddened that we live in a world where we truly do not treat others with equality.  One can only hope that each individual fighting for what is good for everyone will eventually make a difference in the wage discrimination between women and men and also in the way we treat those who have different cultures, beliefs and ethnicities than our own.

Being outdoors, you learn so much about yourself, others and the beauty around you. If a person can be an athlete at my age, then yes, I am an athlete. Running brings me into a place of peace and stress reduction; it can be done with a community or alone.  I also love tennis; it is relational, competitive and also a place of release from the stressors of life.  The love of running and tennis provides relationships and exposure to others that I might not otherwise have.

My faith is the foundation of who I am. It drives me to have more gratitude, compassion,  empathy and  love for others and self.  It is the glue that keeps me together when situations can appear as hopeless, painful, and often times impossible.  It is a place of grace and mercy and love for others regardless of our differences.  I believe it is the backbone of my desire to see positive changes for others through community service.  Quite often I am the one who reaps more than I sow.





Reading has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember.  It is another dimension of who I am and who I am becoming: a culture of readers.  It opens up a world to your imagination, exposure to other ways, ideas and cultures.  It is a tool to stepping outside of egocentric thinking and remaining open and responsive to new attitudes, ideas and beliefs that differ from your own. I belong to a book club and it is a culture of women who share diverse ideas and philosophies on life. We share this common love of reading and learning from others.

Being stretched and challenged is a component of who I am as a student.  The environment and diverse culture of the University of Texas allows me to encounter those of like mind and those whose opinions vary greatly. It is place to learn respect for a community of students who have their own unique culture and who add vast knowledge to my limited and unlimited experiences.

Global Project Development

About Me:

• I moved to Austin from the Dallas/Fort Worth area two years ago to attend UT. I love the university and my life in Austin.
• I am a psychology major, graduating in December and currently applying to grad schools for Social Work.
• I enjoy running, cooking, nutrition, reading, college sports, tennis and hanging out with friends. 
• You can find me every morning @ Lady Bird Lake either running or walking.
• I love to laugh and enjoy people with a great sense of humor!
• I have three amazing, talented daughters who keep me laughing, challenged and inspired.

This Class:

• I am passionate about community service and love the concept of service learning.
• Prior to moving to Austin I served on a service sorority and raised monies for high school seniors to go to college.  It was rewarding and eye opening. 

• I am looking forward to another semester of working on the oral history project @ Martin Middle School. 
• I am excited about  being a part of PROJECT 2014 and UT's day of service in the Holly Street Community.
• I hope to gain more knowledge about serving others and all that entails.
• I love learning and believe there is so much to gain from others experiences and knowledge.