by Teagan Halbrooks
While in elementary school, Camila Gonzalez faced bullying by a group of boys. Though that experience was hard for Gonzalez, she thinks it shaped her into being strong and sympathetic.
Being bullied also helped Gonzalez realize bullying is a problem that needs to be noticed.
“They have their own problems. They’re just taking it out on me,” Gonzalez said.
After that experience, she became a firm believer in feminism. She believes a girl can do anything a guy can do and sometimes do it better.
After watching the movie “Whip It,” her mom realized Camila was interested in roller derby. So her mom made a trip to see a roller derby with her only child.
“It’s empowering,” Gonzalez said of roller derby. She thinks it is important for women to show potential because more women are out on their own without a male figure. Gonzalez thought the women involved in roller derby were role models for young women who want to be independent.
“This is the 21st century,” Gonzalez said. She would like to experience being in the roller derby one day. Roller derby helps women develop decision-making skills and to stick with their decisions, she said.
Being bullied at a young age and being exposed to feminism has helped shape Gonzalez into who she is and has affected what she believes in.
In her spare time, Gonzales likes to go to the beach to swim, to write short stories, and to hang out with friends. She enjoys playing the piano and hopes to pursue a career as a singer.
