What I have learned as a first-generation college student | Lyric Swinton | TEDxUofSC

[Music] Claude Steele stereotype threat model discusses how members of marginalized communities can get discouraged by the stereotypes of their communities this discouragement can lead to anxiety loss of motivation and will eventually lead to interference and performance for example a woman who believes that becoming president one day will be impossible due to her gender can get so discouraged to the point that she doesn't even try it all even if she is qualified when I started college I struggled immensely suddenly I was surrounded by affluent peers when my I myself I'm a first-generation college student from a low-income household I didn't participate in campus traditions because I assumed that they didn't exist for my enjoyment I felt like my first year was a huge game of what's wrong with this picture and surprise it was me I felt completely out of place and I had no idea where to go or what to do at the beginning of my sophomore year I was actually taking position and student government overseeing diversity and inclusion programming I was terrified and intimidated but I decided it was time to be brave I loved the work that I was doing I became an advocate for inclusion and equity but there was always a little voice inside of my head that created doubt wondering if I was there just because I was valued I was not there because diversity and inclusion were good buzz word to my face fit the bill at the time I was working as a hospitality Intendant at the stadium in the Suites many of my colleagues sat there with their families and even though during school hours we were equals in this space I was making a little over minimum wage amongst my peers who were sitting in seats there were thousands I became self conscious in leadership positions as a results constantly wondering was did I fit in at all at the time I was still in my niece most cultural organizations fostering communities with students well that were from similar backgrounds but I no longer felt as comfortable there as I once did and why was that I was living two separate lives and I was desperately scared that they will interact on one end I didn't want to be seen as the angry black woman or the poor first-generation college student but on the other end I didn't want my community to think that I lost sight of our struggles because I was no longer spent my time there as much I was exhausted from being pulled in so many directions and I'm not the only one feeling out of place is not dependent on gender race or socioeconomic status god forbid your weekday persona meets your Saturday life or your new relationship seeing your old baggage or your wealthy friends seeing your past riddled with food insecurity we must realize that your separate lives will never be successful until you realize that they are the same if not we're not living our best lives we're living our best lies overcoming stereotypes is hard but there's much that we can do to combat this first be brave if you are in a position to speak up and use your voice use it speaking through fear today will allow someone else to speak without it tomorrow second acknowledge this the differences between us but know that we are not the stereotypes that are placed upon us know that you are exactly where you need to be and that you do not have to conform to any label or stereotype third know that you belong as you befriend higher and collaborate with people that are different from yourself don't seek diversity to fit a quota seek diversity to learn the magic of individual stories diversity is for nothing without establishing inclusivity having to see that the table means nothing if you can't say what you feel why you're there know that you belong in the spaces that you are in and if you with overcoming stereotypes know that we are not what we've been through but it is our responsibility to make our experiences matter after all who cares about fitting the mold when you can create a new one all together thank you [Applause]

Channel: TEDx Talks

Views: 44,337

Keywords: TEDxTalks, English, Life, Achievement, Discrimination, Empathy, Failure, Fear, Grit, Hardship, Higher education, Personal growth, Positive Thinking, Race, Self, Struggle, Tolerance

Id: VRVG7kjvw7g

Length: 4min 50sec (290 seconds)

Published: Wed Dec 05 2018