The Dot Spot
Written by Taylor Marksz, Shawnee Mission West High School Senior
Initially published in “P.O.V. Publish Our Voices,” a student-run magazine showcasing the perspectives of young writers.
In this generation, where they look, some women believe something needs to be changed. One of those people is Audrey Jennings, a junior at Shawnee Mission West. Jennings has started a project at West called ‘The Dot Spot.’ The Dot Spot is a period pantry around the school in lockers near all bathrooms. These lockers have pads and tampons of all sizes and the most popular brands.
According to Jennings, the reason she had started this project was not entirely for it to be an actual change. She said it was an English project where they had to come up with a pitch to their teacher and convince them to help with the project.
The result of that assignment was an impactful project. She learned she could make it real by applying for a grant. So, she put the work into creating a more professional pitch to apply for a grant to make The Dot Spot a real thing. However, that has not been the most challenging part for her as she is not just focusing on The Dot Spot. She has other activities like school and work, so she has had to learn to balance The Dot Spot with her other activities.
However, that does not stop Jennings from enjoying the challenge.
“It’s like this one big puzzle,” Jennings said.
She also said that she loved seeing its impact on the school in its short operation time. Jennings hopes to expand The Dot Spot to other Shawnee Mission Schools.
On top of that, she also wants to spread the word about periods.
People should recognize that periods are normal and not disgusting. They shouldn’t be looked down upon; if someone struggles to access products, they should help. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Audrey Jennings, Shawnee Mission West High School
A West program called Women in Leadership has also helped Jennings. This program created a committee dedicated to publicizing and setting up the Dot Spot.
“My favorite part is that they are all over the school, so it’s easier to find the products I need no matter where I’m in the building,” said Junior LaNaya Hernandez, a member of the committee.
Jennings’ hope of a lasting impact is that the negative connotation that comes with periods changes. If someone notices that someone does not have access to period products, they will help that person get the products they need.
Jennings also hopes that people care enough to help people access these products that they will donate to her cause. Her cause is defined as a woman making change. Someone who stumbles across a problem and decides to take charge and make the change that needs to happen. Instead of leaving it up to chance or never to get fixed, she takes it into her own hands and solves the problem. That is a woman making a change.
