Macon Magazine

D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | MACONMAGAZINE.COM 5 7 PICTURED: MEMBERS OF THE OCMULGEE ARTIST GUILD SUPPORT MACON PERIODS EASIER BY DONATING MONEY FROM THEIR PROCEEDS TO PURCHASE PERIOD PRODUCTS. PICTURED ARE JESSICA WHITLEY, THOMAS HEALD, BROOKE SCOTT AND DEMARCUS BECKHAM. WHEN EVE FINCHER'S MOTHER first got her period, she did the only thing that came to mind: She used a Band-Aid to stop the bleeding. "Raised by her father, my mom was oblivious, and no one had ever spoken to her about this naturally occurring life change," Fincher said. "She, in turn, became very aware of this when I started mine, and was open in discussing this change with me." Following her mother's example, Fincher has made herself a resource to young women so that none of them feels as unpre- pared or uneducated as her mom did. A teacher at Howard High School, she's keenly aware of terms like "period poverty" and the stigma associated with it. Period poverty occurs when the lack of money for period products becomes a barrier to going about your daily life. For some girls, this means days spent at home instead of at school and embar- rassment when they start their period at school but have no products to use. "It seems to be an issue that is kept quiet due to embarrass- ment for lack of knowledge, or lack of necessities," Fincher said. "I saw it was a need and my motherly instincts kick in. I am a mother to a teenage daughter, so I understand the uncomfort- able situation in which some girls may find themselves." Having established herself as a resource among students, Fincher keeps maxi pads at her desk and said girls will come up and quietly whisper in her ear. "Usually, I lead them to my desk and covertly slip them a pad. They leave and that's it; no questions are asked," she said. During an interview of six Howard High students, more than a few of the young ladies expressed their appreciation for teachers and administrators like Fincher, who make them feel "normal" and not "awkward" about asking for help. They said menstruation can be a "hassle." Daily routines such as picking out clothes or participating in extracurriculars, like swimming, become tasks they avoid as they learn to live with their menstrual cycle. Some young girls with older sisters have the advantage of in- timate conversations on how to remain active and stay comfort- able during their period. Some get advice and coping skills from their mothers – and some of them reach out to Fincher. "If they trust me, I will first advise they speak with a family member," Fincher said. "If they don't feel comfortable with that, I may request a school counselor. But if I'm their favored choice, I will have a private talk with them about any questions or con- cerns they may have concerning periods, cycles, resources, etc." Fincher isn't the only one on a mission to open up the con- versation about menstruation and to help those in need. W

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