My multifaceted identity by Teska Hapig-Ward

Woman

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 19:51:45 UTC

My feminism and womanhood is important to me. I do not believe in traditional gender roles, but love fulfilling my femininity in ways that feel right to me. I love connecting with those around me, creating spaces where people can be vulnerable, and intentionally supporting community and tight knit circles with other women. Women are strong, resilient, and can do EVERYTHING - I am impressed by women everyday and am proud to be female.

Privilege

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 19:53:40 UTC

I recognize that being a women does not come with certain privileges. Women are still seen as weaker, less capable, and more emotional volatile than men. We enter a room and have to prove that we are supposed to be there, that we are valid, trustworthy, and capable; that we are more than our bodies, our ability to care for others, and servants. This fight is what makes women amazing.

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 19:54:30 UTC

German

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 19:58:23 UTC

My German heritage, language, and cultural background is a crucial part of my identity. Speaking German at home helps me understand myself and the world better - I have more ways of connecting and expressing myself. Spending time in Germany with family has laid the foundations of principles that are important aspects of who I am now - efficiency, environmental consciousness, community living, reducing waste, and seeing myself as part of a greater world.

Privilege

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 20:00:54 UTC

Being German is interesting - my mother is an immigrant and not a citizen, but is not treated the same way that my peers who are immigrants from non-white countries are treated. My family has some similar struggles, but it is not the same. Our family's existence in the US is not threatened, we do not face racism, and it is assumed that we are educated, safe, and kind. I realize how much privilege being an immigrant from a white country is versus a non white country.

Environmental activist

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 20:02:47 UTC

Environmental protection and justice is a pillar of my identity. Before PA school, I studied climate science and worked as a fish biologist. My family left our home in CA after wildfires destroyed much of it - the threats from climate change are one of the biggest stressors of my generation. Advocating for the environment, fighting for it, and living in a way that reduces my impact is hugely important to me.

Sister + aunt

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 20:05:30 UTC

My sister is my absolute best friend. My relationship with her is one of the most important in my life. I want to make sure I am always a support system for her and her biggest fan. She also just had her first kid! Being a present aunt to her daughter is my newest, and most important, job.

Privilege

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 20:09:29 UTC

I have the privilege of growing up in a family that emphasized creating healthy relationships. From my family and sister, I learned how to communicate effectively, voice my needs, and argue in a healthy manner. This is a huge privilege in navigating adulthood and in now having a good support system.

Privilege

teskahapigward — 2025-03-08 20:10:15 UTC

I have the privilege of having personal safety, healthy, and access to the resource that I need - which gives me space and capacity to advocate for the environment.