Intellectual Autobiography

My decision to pursue a Master of Arts in media studies stems from my interest in the ever-evolving media world, desire to increase visibility of real women and positive role models in the media, and passion to learn effective campaign strategies to promote healthy lifestyles and positive self-esteem in young women. We are bombarded with sexy and suggestive images of women everywhere-their bodies are used to sell products on TV, older actresses are overlooked to make room for younger ones in movies, and celebrity bodies are airbrushed until they don’t even look human anymore (“Beauty and Body Image in the Media”).

According to the Media Awareness Network, advertisers reason that they don’t use real women because only thin models spur the sales of beauty products (“Beauty and Body Image in the Media”). In a society where unrealistic standards of beauty have been set, many young women feel they have fallen short of these distorted expectations and turn to unhealthy eating behaviors and other drastic measures to compensate, resulting in depression, eating disorders, and self-esteem issues.
I grew up in a conservative and well-educated Chinese household, where I was taught at an early age the importance of ability and personal character. Moving to the United States with my parents was a huge adjustment for me. I attended a Manhattan private school, and though I learned the language quickly, I always felt somewhat different from my schoolmates. While growing up, I compared myself to the beautiful models that I saw in magazines, and wished that I were taller, had a straighter nose, and deep-set eyes. Everywhere I looked, the messages were the same: if we only lost ten pounds, had the perfect hair, less wrinkles, or bigger breasts, then our lives would be perfect (“Beauty and Body Image in the Media”). I feel fortunate that I wasn’t sucked into this warped reality, and didn’t develop an eating disorder or any emotional damage, but I can understand why many teens would feel the pressure to change their physical appearances be feel beautiful and accepted. I am thankful for the caring and supportive environment that my parents created for me growing up because it was fundamental in my intellectual and emotional development.

Another person who has inspired my intellectual growth is my grandfather. My grandfather was a brilliant writer- a journalist for a well-respected newspaper in Shanghai. When I was a young girl, he took me to many book signings and press conferences. Our favorite past time was spent in the libraries researching facts for his upcoming stories. My grandfather wrote stories revealing the corruption of the Chinese government, the struggles of the poor, and discrimination against the elderly. He became the voice for the victims who could not speak up for themselves. He fought tirelessly for what he believed in and dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. His courage and perseverance in bringing change to a world of injustice has motivated me to enter this field of study as an advocate and take charge of a rising problem that I believe is poisoning today’s youth. My grandfather continues to be one of my greatest inspirations.

While pursuing my Communication degree, I was fortunate enough to study with many passionate and dedicated professors, who encouraged and guided me through out my years at Rutgers and beyond. One of my favorite classes there was Health Communication, a course taught by Professor Yanovitzky. He instructed about many different techniques that can be used to design and deliver a successful campaign with health-related messages. His class inspired my thesis in college, which was on different ways we can use the media to improve children’s eating habits. My research on the topic led me to some disturbing facts about girls as young as 8 starting to diet, and sparked my interest in the influence of media on young girls and ways to prevent unhealthy behaviors.

I also studied Nutrition at Rutgers, and worked with Dr. Watford in many research projects designed to change the unhealthy eating habits among college students, especially females. One of the most memorable projects was one that I did on the nutrition IQ and eating habits of freshmen. After conducting surveys, I was alarmed by the high number of females who admitted they rarely ate three proper meals a day that included the recommended daily servings of protein, vegetables and fruits. Most of the women reported that they lived on cereal and milk, sandwiches or nutrition bars. They were also clueless about which foods contained protein, fiber, etc. I realized there was a high need for an intervention- we needed to find out why these students were living on such meager diets and how to change their unhealthy behaviors.

Along with the nutrition team at Rutgers, we created a campaign that aimed to educate freshmen about the importance of eating right and basic nutrition. For a year, we spoke at various dining halls and residence halls, and even had interactive games the students could play to win prices. By the end of the year, we conducted another round of interviews, and found that there was a 32% increase in nutrition knowledge (which foods had the most protein, iron, etc). I was thrilled by the difference that we had made in just one year, and realized how much I love working in health communication.

The media gives us the impression that the female body constantly needs to be improved and is a work in progress. We are made to believe that we are not good enough the way we are, and need to be thinner, taller, and sexier. Popular reality shows like “The Girls Next Door” portray these plastic Barbie-like women who frolic around half-naked and spend their boyfriend’s money. It seems more and more celebrities are rising in fame because of sex scandals, plastic surgeries or risqué behaviors. It bothers me to see young girls admiring insecure women like Heidi Montag or wanting to spend their life partying away like Paris Hilton. Too many young women are disillusioned and made to believe that beauty and desirability are the keys to success and happiness (Jayson). We are in need of better role models in the media-women who are recognized for their contributions, strength, and character instead of the size of their dress.

My future goals consist of creating and executing effective campaigns targeted toward teens and young women that promote healthier eating habits, healthier lifestyles and body confidence. I’d love to work for a prominent organization, like the United States Department of Agriculture as an advocate or spokesperson for young women’s health, and travel to middle schools, high schools and colleges to educate females about proper nutrition and building body confidence.

In order to get there, I will need to take a few methodology classes, so that I can learn proper ways to conduct surveys, interviews and analyze the data that I will collect for future research. I’d also like to take production and design classes, so that I would have the experience necessary to produce commercials or perhaps my own show featuring real women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities that exhibit characteristics worthy of admiration. Further down the road, pursuing a masters in Nutritional Sciences or Health Communication would also be a great addition to my credibility and credentials. I intend to change the way women view themselves and hope for a day in the near future when women of all ages can look inside themselves for confidence and validation.

Works Cited
“Beauty and Body Image in the Media.” Media Issues. Media Awareness Network, n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2010.
Jayson, Sharon. “Media Cited for Showing Girls as Sex Objects.” USAtoday.com. USA Today, 20 Feb. 2007. Web. 22 Feb. 2010.