Rebecca Clark
Bio
Graduate in love with writing
If you like what I'm doing, check out my website and zine: thefreshfeminist.com
and check out my socials:
insta - @thefreshfeminist
twitter - @thefreshfem
Stories (12/0)
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to University
Going to university is a massive step. Some people look forward to it for years. Some people dread it. Some people are unsure whether they want to go right up until the last minute. However you feel about going to university, it’s a big life change. There is even more uncertainty around university this year with the pandemic changing how universities will run and the government managing to mess up A-Level grades when the world was already messed up. I have just graduated into a rapidly shrinking job market so don’t worry I’m suffering too. Let’s get into five things I wish I knew before going to university.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Education
Dear Men: What a Young Feminist Wants You to Know
As I’ve spoken more openly about my feminist beliefs not everyone has been fully supportive. Many people have and thank you for that. Some people are confused and some people are put off. Feminism is still controversial today. It seems like some people just want me to be a ‘normal’ writer. I can focus on social change, sure, but feminism is a bit much. It excludes men, apparently. Well this is my message to men.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Viva
Teenage Angst or Mental Illness
I first experienced mental health issues when I was a teenager. It's hard to tell exactly when it started because it gradually happened. It wasn't an overnight change. But I think teens have dark and destructive thoughts much earlier than their parents like to think. I first harmed myself at 13 and I felt in the moment that it had been a long time coming.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Psyche
What it is *actually* like to have anxiety
Let's get real about anxiety disorders... The mental health disorder anxiety is much more complex than the stereotypes portray. That’s the case for most mental illnesses. Having an anxiety disorder doesn’t mean you are just a worrier or are oversensitive. An anxiety disorder often manifests itself in physical ways, not just thoughts. Although the thoughts can be horrible and intrusive.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Psyche
What is White Saviourism?
Due to the increased attention on the Black Lives Matter Movements after the outcry at the murder of George Floyd, white people have been pushed to question their treatment of black people. I am one of them. Many white people have had a positive response. They understand their privilege – that white people will not suffer because of their race as black people are targeted due to the colour of their skin. Many white people have joined in solidarity with black people on marches, signing campaigns and using their platform to speak out against racism.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in The Swamp
A White Writer Stands with Black Voices
Learning I opened my history textbook and saw a divided past. I saw death by colour. I saw privilege by whiteness. Not just in individuals, not just in communities but in institutions. In the holders of the power to decide what is right and what is wrong – who is right and who is wrong. In the implementers of safety and punishers of violation. In the law makers and law takers. Justice was not colour-blind. She was ruling in full colour. I wrote essays on the emancipation. I wrote essays on desegregation. I wrote essays on the success of the freedom fighters, the moves of presidents and school children. I wrote essays on what had been and I closed my textbook. I closed the pages of history and looked out the window to the streets. The history book was not closed afterall.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Geeks
Where the Birdies Fly
Milo rubbed his eyes desperately, as if trying to erase the vision. Nightmares seem harrowingly authentic when they are based on your own reality. Momma said that he had witnessed what no human should witness, certainly not an innocent boy, and that’s why his mind plagued him so morbidly. His short breaths became deeper and a familiar comforting sound dismissed the echo of screaming. As if attentive to Milo’s distress, the swallow was singing a soothing tune from his usual resting tree, drawing Milo to the window.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Families
An Ode to My Depression On Our 6 Year 9 Month Anniversary
This poem was written a few months before my 20th birthday. At the time I was trapped in an abusive relationship, depressed and suicidal. Ironically, around this time I wrote my toxic boyfriend a loving poem for our anniversary.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Poets
What I learnt from Therapy
Therapy and counselling can be life-changing. (There is a difference between the two: in basic terms therapy is a more focused, goal-based treatment while counselling is more of a discussion.) However, it isn't easy. You can be left on waiting lists for free sessions for ages and not everyone can afford to go private. When you do receive treatment, it’s not a quick fix. You don't walk into the therapist's room one person and walk out after the first session another. You have to put effort into working out your mind. With this being said the advice from a therapist or counsellor can be invaluable.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Psyche
Recovering from Domestic Abuse
It's been over a year since I left an abusive relationship I was in for about 15 months. It doesn't seem to be a long time to be in a relationship but it really messed with my head. A year seems like more than enough time for recovery but I am still struggling. Just like our perception of domestic abuse can be lacking, our perception of the recovery from an abusive situation can be lacking too.
By Rebecca Clark4 years ago in Psyche