Carrie Wofsy is a pediatric therapist for adolescents around ages 10 – 20 who have or have had an eating disorder and/or severe body dysmorphia. We were going to video call her on Zoom, but unfortunately it was unable to work so we ended up facetiming her. Although there was a miscommunication, I think we were able to get all the information we needed even with a struggle at the beginning.
At first, we talked about eating disorders, and we dug deeper into what the main roots of an eating disorder are, and if there are any ways to prevent it. Next, we talked about social media and the effect it has on everyone who uses it. We talked about how if you are struggling with your mental health, a way to take a break is to get offline for a little bit and recharge yourself. We also spoke a lot about how when you scroll on social media, everything you see has an effect on you. Even if you only see something for a split second, it’s still engraved in your brain, and it can still affect the way you see yourself. Carrie said a lot about how if we post more positive things and think about the media in a more positive way, it can better the way we perceive ourselves and lead to a more healthy life. I really enjoyed this interview and got a lot of information from it, and I am so glad we were able to speak with Carrie about this topic.

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On January 29, 2024, the two groups focusing on the topic of beauty standards traveled to the Paley Center for Media and met with Rebekah Fisk, who is a director and educator there. We had some amazing conversations, we watched some clips and videos, and overall we learned a lot. It was great to be able to speak with someone with so many good ideas, thoughts, and information. We spoke a little bit about how people are trying to make a difference and sort of fix this issue, and we explored a few of the ways people are trying to demolish stereotypes and put to sleep the many problematic ideas of women and girls.

One thing that we talked about in specific that was interesting to me was the portrayal of women and girls in TV shows, movies, commercials, and music videos. We dug deep into how girls are often expected to be a certain way and a lot of times they don’t want to be like that. We watched a clip from Buffy the Vampire Slayer where Buffy fought a vampire and saved a boy. At the end, the boy was asking how she did that and says: “But you’re just a girl,” and Buffy replies with “That’s exactly what I’ve been saying.” This is a great representation of how girls have extremely high expectations set for them, and although they do try to meet those expectations, a lot of times they don’t want to.

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On January 12th, 2024, the eighth grade and staff got on the train and traveled to the United Nations in Midtown Manhattan. We were greeted with security, a large courtyard, and eventually, a tour guide in the main building of the United Nations. The UN tour sparked my curiosity, especially when I went to the Security Council Chamber. I discovered that the nations on the council were arranged to sit in in blue seats, with their assistants sitting behind them. The Security Council’s president, who is now France, alternates every month. The countries that are not members of the council are able to watch from the red chairs surrounding the main circle. I also learned that any nation engaged in a conflict that the council wishes to discuss is eligible to have a place at the table.

Another aspect of the United Nations building that I enjoyed was that were was a lot of art with a lot of meaning to it. There were sculptures, paintings, and architectural components that were donated to the United Nations to be presented in the building. These things were given from many different countries, such as Finland, Tailand, and Malaysia. I loved seeing the different artworks around the building, and I was happy that you could appreciate it as you walk around the workplace if you worked there.

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