Opinion

I'm a girl with opinions, just deal with it!

A word to the wise from 'the other side' of Imperial

I'm a girl with opinions, just deal with it!

So I was told that my pseudonym was not particularly inventive, but that’s simply what I am: a girl with opinions. Got a problem with that!? Then go away and read something else. I’m here to get nitty and gritty and talk about the things that others are too afraid to even think about. In such a male-dominated university, it is imperative for us girls to stick together and fight for our rights as equals. I’m not saying that all men are sexist, but some of them don’t even realise they are. Like the other day this guy held a door open for me and I was like, “I can open doors, you know! What, you think my arms aren’t strong enough?”

Boys at Imperial are like children in a sandpit - everyone wants to play with the digger, and I’m the digger. Sure, I keep my hair nice and wear clothes that accentuate my curves, but I’m not an object. I don’t dress to impress, I dress to be the best. I pride myself on looking good, and although I don’t consider myself to be the most attractive girl at Imperial, I think boys are magnetized by my confidence. Girls, if there is one tip I can give you, it’s be happy in yourself and your happiness will shine. I normally find that depressed girls just give up on themselves and let their hair go all frizzy and start wearing baggy jeans. You’re not doing yourselves any favours by giving up on yourselves. Don’t give up on yourselves!

When I was a fresher last year, I was naive and optimistic. I had too much faith in chivalry and I let myself believe that I would be surrounded by Prince Charmings. Err… wrong!! If you think telling me that ‘my tits would make a good addition to your mantlepiece’ is going to succeed in getting me into your bed, then you’re very much mistaken. I can take misogynistic comments on the chin because I’m thick-skinned, but there are some more vulnerable girls starting at Imperial who wouldn’t know how to handle a comment like that. Chat-up lines are a form of sexual harassment and degradation. It’s not funny and it’s definitely not clever.

Not all the boys are pestilent rats. Some of them are actually quite nice, and I would recommend you take your time to find the right one. That’s if you’re looking for anyone at all. If you’re like me, a free spirit, then you might just enjoy the company of intelligent guys that don’t see you as ‘walking pussy’. I’ve got lots of guy friends that treat me as a lady and an equal and I’m glad I’ve found them. When we have our chats, they always listen to what I have to say and let me say my piece. Like I say, I’m not afraid to speak my mind and these guys respect me for that. If I have one piece of advice for you girls, it’s take your time and find the correct social groups for your needs. I hope you enjoyed reading my article :)

From Issue 1497

14th Oct 2011

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

Read more

Peter Haynes to take over Provost role in October

News

Peter Haynes to take over Provost role in October

Professor Peter Haynes has been appointed as the new Provost and Deputy President of Imperial College. The current  Vice-Provost for Education and Student Experience, Haynes will succeed the outgoing Provost, Professor Ian Walmsley, who has served in the role since 2018. Imperial President Hugh Brady said Professors Haynes and Walmsley

By Guillaume Felix
Why RAG’s bungee jump event never took place

News

Why RAG’s bungee jump event never took place

Earlier this academic year, Imperial Raising and Giving (RAG), had announced the return of their charity bungee jump after a hiatus of 10 years. The event, however, was postponed several times, and Felix can now reveal why it was cancelled. The event, initially scheduled for November 13th, was postponed several

By Mohammad Majlisi and Nadeen Daka
Palestine protests ramp up as year ends and tensions rise

News

Palestine protests ramp up as year ends and tensions rise

Saturday 7th June: Pro-Palestinian protestors hold banners as they stand on ALERT at the Great Exhibition Road Festival. Tuesday 10th June: A student announces a hunger strike asking for Imperial to investigate Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism, form a student-staff working group on ethical investment, and divest from arms companies accused

By Mohammad Majlisi