Ever since joining last August, Gayathri Menon has been a constant and unwavering presence here at Youth Are Awesome. From casual blogs about food and movies to opinion pieces that deals with important issues like gender equality, it’s safe to say that Gayathri has dabbled in all forms of youth blogging. Being the March Blogger of the Month, I was given the chance to interview Gayathri about her experience as a blogger so far, how it has shaped her, and her favorite pastimes.
Q: You have been a YAA contributor for at least half a year. Some might even consider you a veteran blogger. Could you briefly describe your experience so far with Youth Are Awesome, and tell us what has motivated you continuously to write?
A: Veteran, oh my. I feel so old! I have had wonderful experiences blogging with YAA. Not only has it given me a medium to express myself, but also helped me meet new people and wander around realms that had been relatively unexplored by me. I describe myself as an “impulsive” writer, which means that I write as much and as frequently as I want to. I write about anything and everything, ranging from the events in my day to the current events . I’m glad YAA gave me this platform to let all those thoughts, opinions and ideas take the form of words.
Q: As we blog and share our ideas, we also grow and change as a person. Describe to us the changes you have went through from that novice blogger writing your first blog to the person you are now in terms of your personality and blogging style.
A: In the beginning, my blogs had been ‘formal’ in tone and I chose not to explore topics that were sensitive and potentially controversial. As time passed, I shed my inhibitions about being “wrong” and started writing in my characteristic style; informal language and a couple of (bad) jokes. The voice I use to write is very similar to the way I talk, and that is the major change that has taken place in my writing and my personality. I’ve learnt to loosen up and express myself freely.
Q: From science to television, you have covered a variety of topics in your blog posts. Of all of the posts that you’ve written, which has resonated with you personally and why?
A: I had covered “HeForShe”, Emma Watson’s campaign for gender equality. It is one of the topics I feel the strongest for. Despite being in a modernised and advanced world, there still exists a feeling of negativity towards women. Being one myself, and having experienced a little chunk of what the outside world has to offer, I felt the need to bring attention to the real definition of feminism in my own little way. It is sad how feminism is associated with “man-hating”, when in reality it is far from that. I felt the need to put the real definition of feminism in its raw beauty in front of the readers, and decide for themselves if they are with it or not.
Q: As a YAA blogger, you represent a voice of today’s youth. In your opinion, what kind of social issues do you believe are imperative to address as a society?
A: A wide variety of social issues exist, and we, as the next generation, too feel it in social settings like schools, organizations, etc. Issues like bullying, harassment, gender inequality, and various other social evils should be addressed by the youth. We, as the voice of the youth, should bring the opinion of the youth about such issues in mainstream media. Being the next generation, it is very important for us to develop a set of values which would bring progressive development to not only us, but everyone around us as well.
Q: We’ll finish with a light one. What are you up to these days in your free time, besides writing blogs?
A: I love writing during my free time. Whenever I’m not studying, I can be found reading, crafting, catching up on (the many) movies I’ve missed, and sports. I also love exploring the city, especially Downtown.
