- by Alicia Sylvest

“You’ll be back. Right?”

Those four words spoken by numerous teens today struck me hard. What I believed would be a slow start to an ongoing initiative ended up being steady paced and filled with stories of personal experiences. I am going to share some stories with you, and I have permission to do such, but first I want to tell you all about the reception of our presence in general.

We set up; we were stared down. Students being silly at first. Some students were hesitant to approach, but once they did, we knew we were doing the right thing. Students asked us questions about why we were there, and we were gung-ho to tell them of our mission.

When they learned that our goal was for them, you could hear the happiness in their voices. We were asked questions about the various products available; we were asked what products would be best for their personal period experiences and bodies. As much as we were happy to be a support and a period product encyclopedia, I can tell you that there was a lot of conversations we weren’t prepared for.

“The school and our teachers are very unsupportive.” One student told us of a time where a friend needed to use the washroom. She was excused, but the moment she grabbed for her bag, the teacher told her she could not take her bag with her. My mind was blown at that moment, but I was about to become even more shocked.

Another student talked about a time where she reached into her bag for a tampon, and her teacher called on her in front of the classroom and said “If you are having candy, you need to share with everyone.” I can not begin to speak on the errors behind these situations because there are far too many.

Students told us that there are dispensers in the washrooms that are empty, with signs that tell students they need to ask staff members if they need product. No. No. No! Every student that told us this also admitted that they won’t ask. “It is too embarrassing.”

“My Dad won’t buy me products.” This one gutted me. Her honesty and openness shocked her friends as well. Every student who approached us mentioned how thankful they were for what we are standing for, standing for them. However, this particular child, teen, youth – her thankfulness hit different. We left her with our personal contact information, and I truly hope to hear from her. Period shame doesn’t just happen in schools. Period poverty happens at homes, and it doesn’t always mean it’s a financial situation. Lack of products could be something much deeper.

This writing doesn't even touch base on the discussions around Plan B, pregnancy tests, etc. So, I am more determined than I've ever been We will be there until FREE period products are accessible in our schools. We will be there until teachers and board members talk to students about what they need rather than implementing protocols they think students need.

As long as we hear those four words, WE WILL BE THERE!

“You’ll be back. Right?”