By Jeremiah Zasun
Hi! My name is Jeremiah. I am a 20-year-old transgender male. I have been transitioning now for a little over 2 years. I was told by many people that I will never be a man. That I will never be half of the man that they were. I struggled with accepting myself for a very long time. In the fall of 2019, I started studying Criminal Justice at Post University. At first, I was not going to attend college, I was never book smart. Until one day, Victoria Meehan, the director of campus enrollment, sat me down and explained to me that it’s okay to be scared, but never allowed me to give up. Coming to a new school as a transgender male, was nerve-wracking. I was constantly questioning if people knew I was this way, because at the time I did not have my top surgery, but I identified as a male and I went by Jeremiah. I was always beating myself up about being who I am. As I started getting more familiar and comfortable with the school, I met Michelle Harris, the associate director of campus enrollment. She once said to me “continue being who you are, whoever doesn’t accept that it’s their loss”. Ever since then, I have been so much more comfortable with being myself here at Post. I have received an endless amount of acceptance here at this University. Not only does Post Make it Personal, but Post makes it safe.
It is important that we recognize the importance of this day, National Transgender Day of Remembrance, because we have lost a huge amount of amazing people for being who they are. Nobody should ever have to be scared to be true to themselves. This day raises awareness around the world to stop hate and crime against the LGBTQ+ community. This is a day to spread love, kindness, and respect for those we have lost, those who are fighting, and those who are still here. This day is very important because it educates those who are not as educated as others on the community. Lady Gaga once said, “No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgender life. I’m on the right track baby I was born to survive.” This song has helped me through this journey of being a transgender male. Please know you are not alone, and you are safe. Especially here at Post University!
Jeremiah Zasun is currently a senior Criminal Justice major. He has plans to return to the University to study psychology after graduation in May 2022. Jeremiah is currently exploring opportunities to get involved on-campus and enjoys working toward enhancing the inclusiveness of the University community.