The Travelling Scarf ROC’s!
When I first put on the scarf the morning of January 18, I instantly felt some seriously positive energy around me, as well as the weight of womanhood and the responsibility that comes with being a part of such a powerful group of women. Immediately, she was put to the test!
As a Survivor Advocate for Rape Crisis Services, my phone rang at 7:00am with a hotline call. The scarf helped me provide strength and knowledge to a man who’s wife had recently been raped,as well as provide him with the resources that will help him and his partner continue to rebuild after the attack.
At work, the scarf gave me the strength to stay focused and be productive, as the only staff member overseeing service to17-counties for as long as my co-worker is out on maternity leave. She helped me provide valuable teaching moments for my intern, and stay focused on my duties.
During the lunch break, she reminded me to take time for myself. I reached out to my wedding caterer, our caterer is a nonprofit arm of the food bank my fiance and I met at, and reminded me how fortunate I am to be a woman in such a healthy, happy relationship. Not only is my partner open to me living hundreds of miles away to pursue my career dreams, he encourages it, growing up in a household with a woman “alpha” played a role in shaping the feminist male he is.
I also took time to notice the connection between the scarf and my wedding colors, purple and gold/yellow. Not a coincidence, these colors symbolize what generations of women before us struggled through to help us achieve basic human rights, and how, as a woman and human being, I am compelled to keep furthering these rights.
After work the scarf gave me the energy to take care of my health as I enjoyed a walk (through a crazy windstorm!) with my partner and 2 dogs (Remy and Wrigley). She stood in shock with me as I stepped on the scale only to find my healthy lifestyle change had led to a 13-lb. weight loss thus far! She also passed on her power to the next generation of female leaders as I held my co-workers month-old baby in my arms and she snuggled up to her.
Most importantly, she reaffirmed why I am a part of the SCW and reminded me that when I take the next step toward my career dream next week, I have the support of my sisterhood of women who share my passions, desires to empower women to be confident, strong leaders, and strong will. Thank you for coming to see me in Rochester this week, scarf. I know she will continue to bring the same positive energy with her moving forward in her travels.
Much Love,
Cassie
