“Words have power.” On the wall of the communications wing, these words are next to Gwen Ifill’s timeline of her legacy as one of the most notable Simmons alumnae, spanning her career as a journalist, television newscaster and author.
Since becoming a Simmons student in the fall of 2022, both the university and I have undergone significant changes. But these words remained on the wall and the sentiment remains true.
Throughout my time at Simmons, working toward my social work major and journalism minor, I have learned how important it is to use your voice. If no one speaks on a situation, what does that mean?
Is silence as powerful as words are?
As a student journalist, I experienced silence in the forms of “no comment” or being denied information. This silence holds power in my writing. It shows those who are not willing to comment on situations that may concern them.
But as a student, silence takes the form of not addressing concerns. Without clear communication from an administration that understands and interacts with its student body, situations become murky. Students feel alone.
In 2023, department and major closures, or sunsets, came out of nowhere. Arts, philosophy, languages and more were cut, with no chance of a fight.
This year, when students heard inklings of departmental closures, discussions began. Petitions were sent around. It was the words of students – past and present – coming together that had the power to save multiple majors.
I wanted my words to have power as well. As Editor-in-Chief, I sought a perspective on mental wellness in my stories. How can we make Simmons a better place for students? Clear communication was an answer, but it was what was lacking as well.
When the administration didn’t speak, the students were sure to share their voices, sharing their opinions openly in interviews with me. I found myself asking, “Do you feel supported by Simmons?”
It was all too often that the answer was anything but yes.
In social work, regardless of whether you can directly impact a situation, you acknowledge that the situation is happening to your client.
If a university holds a “value of strengthening communities by nurturing inclusion and belonging,” this should include nurturing student voices. It should allow students to feel seen and supported across different circumstances.
Recently, I walked into my undergraduate commencement ceremony holding a sign to reserve a seat in memory of my friend Brenda Hanson Martino. Hanson Martino, a 3+1 social work student at Simmons, passed away our freshman year by suicide.
I use my voice for her. I write with a focus on mental health, encouraging students to engage with empathy and examine all sides of a story. I’ve seen change through my writing, but it is not a one-person job.
Words have power. Your voice can change things — you just have to speak up.
