From the Editor

Jenny Atkinson
Volume 23, No. 2

I’m writing from Atlanta, Georgia, where I moved shortly following the publication of the last issue of Exponent II.

After working at the Charlestown, Massachusetts, Boys & Girls Club for the past twelve years, I accepted a position with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where I’ll be working with clubs throughout the country to improve their education programs.

So although I haven’t had much time for reflection, I thought I’d say goodbye to editing Exponent II by telling you what I’ve learned during the experience.

With Exponent women, I have usually felt like I can say what I’m thinking without fear of being judged. It’s sometimes scary for me to say what I think; I’m afraid my idea might be unpopular or I might end up being wrong. I know that I might change what I think, and if someone judges me on that one comment alone, she won’t have the whole Jenny picture. But I have found that when I speak about what’s occupying my thoughts in a place like Exponent II where I don’t feel judged, I come closer to knowing what I want and who I am.

I’ve also started to learn how to withhold judgment about others. When I sit with and talk to women who are telling the truth about themselves, I feel love and compassion. Even when it’s hard to hear what they have to say, I’m proud of them and want them to be their best selves. 

I’ve learned that this planet – including the Mormon Church – are full of people who think and live in many different ways. Instead of judging or measuring, I have started to enjoy witnessing as people walk their own life paths, walking alongside when we are going the same direction and waving when we’re not.

Asking for help has always been hard for me. However, while editing Exponent II I’ve taken some small steps toward getting the help I need. On the occasions when I have been able to say, "I cannot do this by myself and here are the ways you can help me," people have stepped in.

Thanks to those of you who joined in after (and sometimes before) I asked for help.

Thank you also to all the women who create this paper (that’s all of us). I look forward to learning more about myself and you every time Exponent II arrives in my mailbox. 

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