My name is Leila Reed, and I am from the northern suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, a place I have always lived. Due to my upbringing and the different people in my life, I have an interest in psychology and human behavior. I am learning more about my intended minor of women, gender, and sexuality studies. Identifying as a woman is a key aspect of my identity, and it is imperative to understand how gender and sexuality intertwine specifically in history and in other cultures.
Outside of academics, I am interested in art, specifically sculpture, photography, and jewelry/metal crafts. These interests have allowed me to explore a creative outlet that involves deep thinking and problem solving. I am very interested in political co-curricular activities such as various forms of activism and social justice including gun control, reproductive rights, and racial justice. I live in a very traditional area where racism and sexism are very much alive, so by seeing and acknowledging the older beliefs and ideas that are prominent here, I have learned the importance of necessary change and activism in order to allow for basic human rights. I will be able to apply what I learn in psychology to understand people’s positions and mentalities in order to help share new beliefs with them and possibly change their views. I plan on becoming as educated as possible on various political and social issues in order to make logical change in the future as well as presently.
