My Cougartown Experience

[Sage Amato]

As some of you may have noticed, I have been gone for around fourish days. First I want to apologize for that. I was at cougar town since Thursday and I'm super behind with homework. However, spring break is next week and I'm planning some awesome things!

Anyway, some of you might be asking yourself, "What is Cougartown?" Well, great question! I want to start off saying that it was truly the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me and that it has really changed my life. Anyway, for those of you who know what Anytown is, it's kind of like that except for just my school. If you don't know what that is, I shall tell you! There is an application and an interview process in which 50 students from my school are chosen to camp up in Prescott for three days and two nights. In that time we talk about the power of words and the affect they have on people. We talked about things such as race and gender roles and stereotypes.

I just wanted to let you all know that I really do feel refreshed. There's a whole other side that I have never seen and I have a strong sense of love and acceptance and support within me. I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm always here to listen if anyone needs to talk. If you would like to send me a PM that's awesome or if you would like to add my MSN or Skype that's awesome too! I just really want to express that I love everyone here and I want everyone to feel safe and loved.

With that, I want to make a little announcement type thing. If I see anyone using any derogatory remark towards another member even if it is as a joke, expect me to say something. There are some words that I will not allow to be used (This is all in character of course. You have the freedom to say whatever you want in character). Words such as:

Retarded: My sister has mental retardation so I take this personally. Also, if you are wondering what's wrong with the word, to me, you are saying that there is something wrong with those who are mentally handicapped when you use that term in a negative way.
That's so gay/No homo/ect: I know that there are some members on here who might be gay, lesbian, bisexual, question, whatever. Many people these phrases so common that it uses it's meaning. And like I said above, by using it in this way you are saying that there is something wrong with those who are homosexual or bisexual or even questioning. I want everyone to feel loved so yeah!
Bitch/Slut/Whore: I am so guilty of using this word when talking about real people and it's easy to slip. However, after this weekend, I have seen the effects that these words have had on a person and it just broke my heart so I would really appreciate it if we try not to use it.
Anything race related: Again, I joked around with races before Cougartown and after seeing guys cry because they have been discriminated against or been harassed by immigration, I will try my best not to let this slip and I hope you all won't either.

I hope I don't sound super strict or anything! And by no means am I banning any of this. I'm just letting you all know that if I see things like this being used I will probably end up saying something.

I want to change the world and yes, I'm one person, but if I can make an impact on someone here or at school and that person impacts others around them, then the world is that much better.

I love you all! Everyone on here is seriously some of the best people I have ever met. Stay that way guys! <3 Post below if you have any more questions, concerns, or just want to talk about life!

♥Tori!