On Tuesday, Feb. 23 in the Sykes Theater, West Chester University’s Sister-to-Sister program hosted their fifth annual scale-bashing event, which is held every year during eating disorder awareness month.
This event gave students an opportunity to “bash” away their insecurities by writing things on scales that have had a negative influence on themselves about their body image.
Senior Jessica Sylvester, who is currently the vice president of Sister-to-Sister, explained the scale-bashing event as “empowering women and helping them appreciate their bodies just the way they are.”
“This year we have added some exciting new aspects to this event, which made it more interactive and meaningful to all who attended,” said Sylvester.
The event began with speaker Tamie Beeman, an eating disorder therapist who led Sister to Sister’s very first scale-bashing event.
Beeman is a WCU alumna and was honored to begin the night by sharing some kind words about the Sister-to-Sister program and the positive impact it has on people who are struggling with eating disorders.
Following Beeman’s speech, the peer mentors showed a short video clip that promoted strong body image, and that women should embrace their flaws instead of putting themselves down.
President of Sister-to-Sister Olivia Miller showed the audience how scale-bashing was done by kicking off the night with few words and then bashing a scale.
Members of the audience got to follow Miller’s example by writing inspiring words on the scale, or memories from past demons that they planned to “bash.”
The event also included a singing performance from Alpha Xi Delta sister Karli Lochtoer, as well as a poetry slam from Jess Dryrek, a Sister-to-Sister peer mentor and member of Alpha Sigma Tau.
Senior Jenna Jalowiec has been attending the annual scale-bashing event for four years and explained how the event sends a strong message to individuals who might be struggling with an eating disorder.
“Scale-bashing put on by the Sister to Sister organization is a moving and important event that we are lucky to have on our campus,” said Jalowiec.
“Unlike other avoided topics, scale-bashing addresses a serious and prevalent issue faced by many college students in a positive and direct way. We need more events like this to promote the genuine beauty we all possess.”
Not only did guests who attended the event get to bash their insecurities away, but the peer mentors also gave the audience a chance to volunteer and read facts that members from Sister-to-Sister researched to inform everyone about the dangers of eating disorders.
The night ended with each student receiving a mini paper scale, and they were asked to write an insecurity they have on it.
After that, everyone was asked to rip the piece of paper up to exemplify that everyone has the power to not allow those insecurities to control them.
Sister-to-Sister offers events in order to help students struggling with an eating disorder.
But for those who don’t feel comfortable attending, there are many alternatives right on West Chester’s campus where students can turn to for help.
The on-campus Counseling Center and Women’s Center are both located on the second floor of the Lawrence Center. Students also have the option to visit the Health and Wellness Center located on the first floor of Commonwealth Hall.
For the On-Campus Counseling Center, visit their website at https://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/stu.cou.
For the Women’s Center, visit their website at http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/STU.WCE.
For the Health and Wellness Center, visit their website at http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.inf.
If any reader or someone they may know is struggling with an eating disorder, do not hesitate to contact any of these resources, as it may save a life.
Devin Gerber is a fourth-year majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at DG781831@wcupa.edu.