Super Human Moments: Taking Feminism Backwards

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:55:00 -0500
super-human-moments

Everyone has had them: moments when things have gone wrong partly because of our own lack of experience or perspective. In this new series of posts, I'm asking members of the UMBC community to reflect on their own 'super human moments.'

Name: Lori Hardesty

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Program Coordinator, Service-Learning, K-16 Partnerships, The Shriver Center. Advisor to Major Inspiration and UMBC's Best Buddies Chapter, staff liaison to the Shriver Living Learning Center.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: Coordination with a "strengths-based lens" for meaningful engagement between UMBC and (the greater) community . . . that's 14 words, if you include "the greater" :)

Q: What title would you give your Super Human Moment?

A: Taking feminism backwards!

Q: What happened?

A: When I was an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University, I played on the Volleyball and Basketball teams and was co-captain of both teams my senior year. In the fall 1995, I was determined to increase attendance at our volleyball matches. Keep in mind that this was the era prior to social networking. The "World Wide Web" was in its infancy and email was such an abstract concept, which at the time felt like you were sending messages to the universe. Our Volleyball Team was off to a great start. To get the word out, you had to "pound the pavement" the old-fashioned way.

I created fliers that read "Hot Girls in Spandex," knowing that would catch people's attention. Why not? We were some of the sweatiest people you could find and we wore spandex. The coach of the Women's Basketball Team, Coach Nancy Funk, pulled me aside one day to ask if I knew who created these fliers around campus. I remember how surprised she was to learn it was me. We discussed how this objectified women. Coach Funk convinced me that there were better ways to increase attendance, which we began to brainstorm.

I remember feeling very clever and proud of my idea. I simply ran with the idea without thinking beyond myself and how it might be interpreted. Through my discussion with Coach, it helped me to see more broadly and the potential implications such a message would send, as a role model to other teammates, reinforcing what to some were negative stereotypes of student-athletes and/or women. I had a platform, but was not using it to the best of my abilities. I took each and every flier down ASAP.

Q: How have you applied what you learned?

A: I am typically "slow and methodical." This is how my now-husband Rob described me years ago to my father (who has since passed away) when he badgered Rob about why we weren't yet engaged or married. Fifteen years ago as a senior in college, I was careless and immature in my spontaneity, seeing through a "results-only" lens. Don't get me wrong - being the mother of two young girls, I'm learning how to move faster and be more efficient. Was I rebelling against my normal state of mind? Is a good laugh really worth it? All good questions! I do know that it reinforced the importance of being a good mentor and "coach."

Over the first weekend in February, Coach Funk celebrated 25 years of coaching at JHU through an Alumni Basketball Weekend Celebration. Kristie spoke in Coach's honor. She emphasized the importance of relationships. Kristie has had the chance to get to know Coach in a different capacity off the court, supporting each other through the highs and lows. Looking back, I appreciate how Coach took the time to teach me, despite this having nothing to do with Basketball. I hope to continue that spirit of support for others. There was an amazing turnout to honor Coach Funk at this celebration weekend, which included one of our biggest turnouts of players for the Alumni Game - I made a few baskets, took a few three-point shots, had some rebounds . . . but who's counting? Many of our children got to meet each other, quickly bonding over what to little kids was an intimidating Blue Jay mascot. Over the weekend, we all had the chance to share some of these great stories and recognize that at the end of the day, it is relationships that matter most.

Q: Do you have any advice you can pass along to others?

A: When you are unsure about how to tackle a particular challenge, get feedback and input from those that you respect and trust. It can help "soften" criticism when you know their perspective comes from a place of caring. They want you to succeed, and want to see that you are giving your best.