As a student leader on campus, I make a lot of introductions. I am constantly meeting new people in class, at work, campus events, etc. What’s your name, year, major, and what are you involved in. These are usually what people want to know about me upon first meeting. Well, my name is Victoria Ornelas, I am a second year, and a double major in English and Business. The last part gets a bit tricky because I am involved in a few things, but if I list all of them, it might take awhile. There is one thing I do that I want people to know the most, though. The thing I do on campus that I am the proudest of is being a part of The Vagina Monologues!
Related: My (Amazing) Experience in The Vagina Monologues!
What a club name, don’t you think? It never fails to get people’s attention immediately. Usually, if I say it with enough grandeur, I can get some raised eyebrows and skeptical looks. But it is the perfect name, as it reflects perfectly what we do in The Vagina Monologues. The mission statement is as follows: “The Vagina Monologues is a group of people seeking to promote awareness about gendered violence and the acceptance of all identities. This is our space of love, support, and validation.”
Since I joined this club back in September of 2017, I have found this space to do just that! The wonderful directors, Julia Kistner, Estephany Ascencio, Grace Martin, and Melanie Flores, always begin our weekly meetings by reminding the cast of why we, busy college students, are putting in this much time and effort. They talk to us about issues going on in our world, recite poetry revolving around our themes, and check-in with everyone. Our club advisor, Susan Pulido, is often there as well, to invigorate us in our ambitions. Meetings are on Mondays, so it is a bright beginning to my week.
The manner in which we spread our mission to the rest of the campus and community is through the show we put on in February, near V-Day. The club is titled after the show, itself. “The Vagina Monologues,” written by Eve Ensler. Eve Ensler based this show off of the interviews she conducted with 200 women. She asked them questions about their thoughts on their sex organs, sex, violence against women, and other topics relevant to women. The show consists of many diverse pieces reflecting the different experiences women have.
I have been a part of this club and performance for two whole years now! Last year, I was able to perform in a group-piece, with three other wonderful people, that we often called “List.” This year, I performed a duet, though not the musical kind. Though the show is often empowering, uplifting, and even hilarious; my piece, “My Vagina was a Village,” demonstrated the more serious and somber tone the show can take. The main topic: Sexual Violence against women.
When I first started reading the piece, I was often unable to get through the whole thing without breaking in to tears. With the encouragement and support of my directors and fellow castmates; I was able to take the stage on February 14, 2019, and perform the piece with courage and respect for the woman I played.
The importance of SSU’s production of “The Vagina Monologues,” cannot be emphasized enough. This show really has a piece for everyone, no matter how you identify. Additionally, the funds raised from the show go to Verity, Sonoma County’s only rape crisis center, and a partner of the Center for Community Engagement. I highly recommend everyone sees the show at least once in their life. It certainly has changed mine.