Now, I sit here writing this, not only crying because I am heartbroken, but embarrassed that I didn't quite understand the problem before this. Realistically, I always thought that the whole "women don't get treated the same way" was bull. I mean, obviously I understand that I was wrong but I finally understood why I couldn't see it then. Guys absolutely treated me differently, but while they doubted me, I always got a chance to change their mind and then they proceeded to treat me like I knew what I was talking about. I was convinced that this was always the way it happened for all women, that you always got a chance to prove yourself.
I've recently gotten the amazing chance to pursue my dreams. I decided to go to Radio school and chase the idea of having a voice in the sports community. Now, I always understood that it was a pretty tall task. It's a hard industry to get into and there ratio of men to women is not even close. However, I always believed in my skills, in my potential, in my work ethic and I knew that if I went to school I could be successful in the industry.
During the summer, just before classes started, I got engaged to my fantastic boyfriend and I honestly thought that my life couldn't possibly get any better. I wasn't expecting what was coming for me. When I started school I was in the perfect place in my life and everything changed. First of all, the moment people found out that I was engaged, everyone changed. Guys stopped talking to me as much, they weren't interested in my opinions or anything about me. It was odd, I really have been used to attention always, but hey it is what it is. Then things got worse. I was shut down of different projects because "women can't possibly love and know as much about sports as guys" or "advanced statistics aren't that important, I know hockey." After that conversation, I never got a chance. I never got to be part of the learning opportunity they all get to be a part of. I didn't get a chance to share what I know and love, because I have a vagina. Not just a vagina, but one that they can't have.
Is it discouraging? Absolutely. Am I going to let it crush my dreams? Absolutely not. There isn't place for guys to be that way anymore. It makes me extremely sad to know that women have to deal with this, that we have to go through this. I am not sitting here and asking you to give me a chance because I am a woman or because you might think I'm hot. I'm sitting here asking you to give me a chance, because I am just like you. Because I can love sports just as much as you, because I can know just as much about sports as you. I just want to have the same opportunities and to be treated fairly and with respect.
