This week, on Wednesday, we have another FLCC alum coming to talk to you about some important things. I asked her to share a short explanation of who she is and what she would talk about it and this is what she said...
Hi, I’m Jenna and I’m an alcoholic…but, I’m also a Criminal Defense Legal Assistant, a graduate of the FLCC Creative Writing Program, a sobriety and mental health advocate, a runner, a rock climber, a good friend, a respectful daughter and a supportive sister. Let’s talk about how all of that is possible while the first fact will forever be true!
In just these few sentences, we have such a powerful statement. Most of society, and perhaps you yourself, would focus on the phrase "I'm an alcoholic" and perhaps not pay attention to the rest of it. But there is so much here. These labels we attach to people - like the week we talked about mental health - can sometimes be overly limited. They can focus too much on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. Jenna, like Laura from a couple of weeks ago, is more than just that short phrase. She has accomplished so much in her life and we cannot look at her and just see that one word. Alcoholism - like any addiction - is a disease. We need to acknowledge that and we need to treat it just like we treat any other disease.
We also need to not reduce those who suffer from it to JUST that. Jenna may not look like what you think of when you see the word 'alcoholic' and that is yet another reminder that we have to fight the urge to judge others and to make assumptions about who they are based on the labels they may carry. She is not just her disease.
I invite you to come see her. REALLY see her. Listen to her. And maybe we can all learn something about addiction, sobriety, and strengthen our own life and choices.
Wednesday, 10/13
5:00 - 6:00
Room 2310
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