College has the potential to be the most fulfilling, enriching, and confusing time of your life. You have the opportunity to explore brand new ideas that never occurred to you beforehand, yet you also have to find a way to fit the new ideas into your life.

Feminism and gender issues are relevant to both male and female students at the University level, playing a role in everyday life. Without the proper knowledge and awareness, these experiences may very well go to waste. There is a negative stigma attached to the word ‘feminism’ because of ignorant stereotypes, and this drives people away from associating with the label. In reality, the f-word isn’t that scary.

There are a number of guidelines to follow in order to survive and succeed at Syracuse University as a feminist. My first suggestion is to enroll in a Women’s and Gender Studies course. I stumbled upon WGS 101 during the add/drop period first semester at SU, and here I am, one year later, halfway finished fulfilling the requirements for the women’s studies major.

The women’s studies major compliments many liberal arts or professional majors, as well as providing a gendered focus within any field of study. The immediate benefits are also threefold: small classes, enlightening readings, and thought-provoking questions that will forever alter your perspective.

I also recommend attending lectures and a speaker’s series that involve gender issues. Last fall I was able to participate in a round-table discussion with Susan Faludi, journalist and author of ‘The Terror Dream,’ ‘Backlash’ and ‘Stiffed.’ Ms. Faludi has been kind enough to mentor me about writing and feminism since we met last year. Certain individuals have the potential to greatly affect our opinions and ideals, so check out a women’s studies speaker over the course of the year.

Beyond the SU campus are more opportunities for feminist activism. Check out the Student Activities Fair on the quad this Wednesday, constantly look at the bulletin boards in residence halls and academic buildings, and talk to people you know about different options for involvement.

Read books. Read newspapers. Read magazines. Read blogs. Feminism doesn’t have to be a stuffy, uncomfortable topic for discussion and knowledge, there are numerous venues and publications to look into that portray feminism in a ‘cool’ and modern way. Feministing.com is the best blog: it is updated daily, and constantly analyzes pop culture, U.S. politics, and international events that focus on gender issues.

Feministing.com is already popular on the SU campus. Sammy Lifson, a junior advertising and women’s studies major, is an avid reader and follower of the blog. ‘Feministing.com is written by people in my generation, writing about stuff that impacts me, so it feels really different than other media and literature,’ said Lifson. ‘I think college students are somewhat quick to dismiss feminism, and say that it isn’t necessary, or that we’re past that, and Jessica Valenti [creator of the blog] is here to show them why feminism is NOT irrelevant.’

Valenti has also written three fantastic books, addressing feminist issues affecting young men and women today in an entertaining and fun voice. The best of her books is titled ‘He’s a Stud, She’s a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know,’ an introduction to feminism. You can finish the book in a single sitting, and it will make you realize how much you can actually resonate with feminism in modern, everyday life.

The most crucial piece of advice I would like to emphasize is: always be true to yourself. This is an important lesson to learn in all facets of life, but it especially pertains to feminists in attendance at SU. You’re not always going to agree with your classmates about social and political issues, and as soon as your floormates hear you identify yourself as a feminist, you’ll be the target for every controversial argument and conversation, trust me. But not all conditions have to be perfect in order for you to support your opinions, and stay true to yourself.

Compromising your ideals is not worth conforming to general expectations and blending in with the crowd. Always be you, and the rest will work itself out.

Krystie Yandoli is a sophomore women’s studies major. Her columns appear weekly. She can be reached at klyandol@syr.edu.