By Samantha Selikoff Photo Editor
Like any other job seeker, one researches the company who he or she is applying for and any possible interview questions the employer may ask. There are standard questions that can typically be expected like, “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you think you are a good candidate for the job?”
I went on an interview the other day, and one of the questions that surprised me was, “Describe one person that was different from you that you met since coming to college. How did they change you?” I always replay interviews in my head to reflect on what I can improve on. I thought a lot about this question after the interview. It was not until almost a week and a half later that I found the answer from six amazing girls.
This week at CAPS Peer Educator’s National Eating Disorders Association monologues, not only did I hear women speak about their eating disorders, but I heard them speak about their personal power, showing that they are strong individuals who can now overcome anything. By looking at these women, you would never guess the difficult battles they overcame with not only their mind, but their body, as well.
I have to admit, some of the women that spoke surprised me because I knew them. I did not expect to see them there, let alone speaking. Even knowing them and being in organizations with a few of them, I would have never been able to tell what they were going through.
Many people, including society as a whole, make seeking help for an addiction or disorder a negative thing. However, in reality, it takes a lot of bravery and courage to take those steps. Even being a best friend or family member, where you think each of you know his or her deepest darkest secrets, you may never know what a person is going through. It may not even be on purpose, but they may be living in denial with him or herself.
If I were to answer the question, “Describe one person that was different from you that you met since coming to college” again, I would have answered it like this. I had the honor of hearing six incredible women speak about their eating disorders. These powerful women were some of which I see on a daily basis and thought I knew, but as it turns out, I did not really know them at all or what they were going through. Everyone is taught, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but not everyone is able to connect with it. After attending the NEDA Monologues and hearing their stories, I learned that nothing is ever as it appears. Never make assumptions, and most importantly, always be kind.
