My Story

I wanted to be an activist since I was 16. This may be an unusual aspiration for a teenager, especially as activism arises in order to change something, not as a goal in and of itself, but I did want to change things. I felt in tune with the injustices around me and felt a lot of anger when peers would say, ‘I’m only one person; I can’t change anything’, and would avidly contest this statement. The only problem was, as one person, I wasn’t doing anything to stop the injustices, and I didn’t know how.

Becoming vegetarian was a slow process, but I had made that change in my own life by the time I was 18. I also became the charity representative for my school, but organising bake sales and sports fundraisers for far away charities did little to dull my ache to be more involved. As I went through university we learnt about uneven power dynamics and how to critique them, and the constant call by academics for change or even revolution; but, of what, society as a whole? And more importantly, how? Formal education doesn’t really teach you about the power of the individual, and the different ways you can go about exercising your power. We talk about freedom of speech, but not many use it to its full extent.

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After this upbringing I felt conformity was the enemy and would make choices in my life to not conform to certain systems I felt oppressive; the meat industry, the fast fashion industry, ‘brain-washing’ reality television, etc. As you can imagine, all these principles and not a lot of action was making me a very boring party guest. My contribution to the ‘fight’, so far, was through my consumption choices; pretty passive, not so active.

Jump to 2017 and I am looking to join an animal rights group. I have given up on the idea of magically becoming an activist overnight have taken to seeking help. I read an article in the University of Kent student newspaper, Inquire, about the UKC Animal Rights Committee, a newly formed group on campus. I can’t believe my luck and email them straight away asking if there are any positions available. I quickly become secretary of the committee. Amiee and Robyn, with a convincing push from Robyn’s Dad, quickly transform me from a vegetarian into a vegan. I can’t believe what I have been doing for the past four years; supporting the dairy industry. Amiee and Robyn introduced me to the community that has always eluded me. Groups that would organise street demonstrations, storm abattoirs, and shed light on one of the cruellest and most deceitful industries present today. This was something so uncomplicated to me, and I was so passionate about, that I got involved right away.