Marissa Minuto
As October ends, we decided to honor to Marissa Minuto as one of the Women of the AAUW here at Penn State World Campus. We are very fortunate to have such a strong individual among us.
Q. What degree are pursuing?
A. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Q. What is your current job/career path?
A. After taking a gap year I have been volunteering for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We focus on advocating and spreading awareness about mental health. It is a non-profit job, but it is absolutely worth it.
Q. Where are you from/where do live now?
A. I have lived in Nanuet, NY my entire life. I am 18 years old, so I still am currently living with my mother.
Q. When will you graduate?
A. I will graduate in the spring of 2023.
Q. How did you hear about AAUW World Campus or why did you decide to join AAUW?
A. I have PTSD and severe anxiety, so with PSU being my dream school, I was upset that I knew I was not capable of physically attending the campus. Then, I researched more and learned about PSU World Campus and knew this was just for me!
Q. What does activism mean to you?
A. In my opinion, everyone has their own definition of activism. It all depends on one’s determination and attitude towards a subject. But, someone who is a strong activist is someone who is not afraid to open up and share what they think is correct, no matter what. If you truly are a strong activist, you will do anything it takes to fulfill your goal.
Q. What are some ways that you active in your community?
A. As part of the AFSP, I participate in annual walks (Out of the Darkness Walk), raise money for AFSP, spread lots of awareness of mental health, educate many on suicide, and much more.
Q. Tell me what an average day looks like you?
A. I usually wake up around 5 am, yes some may say that’s so early, but I love waking up early. Then, I usually check my emails. Then, after I am ready for my day, I usually do work for AFSP from home. I love to go walking outside when the weather is nice out.
Q. What are you passionate about in women issues?
A. I strongly believe we need more women in positions of power. We are having men make decisions about women’s bodies and rights, which is bizarre the fact that it is 2019 and this is what is happening.
Q. What course has been your favorite, so far, at Penn State World Campus?
A. Any course associated with psychology is my absolute favorite. I love anything related to psychology, that is also why it is my major.
Q. Do you have anything else that you would like to share with us that is important for us to know or something that is important to you?
A. As a sexual abuse survivor, I know how women can sometimes feel powerless. I was in this place a couple years ago, I thought my abuser had taken everything from me. I felt hopeless. However, I have overcome that. WE are strong women. No men, or women, can bring us down. We stand together and will fight for equality regarding women.