Persistence is Key to Being a Self-Advocate

"I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me."

Maya Angelou

Photo Credit: Shutterstock Image

Becoming an advocate for yourself is tough. It is something that can’t necessarily be taught, but can be learned. Being an advocate for yourself in layman terms means standing up for yourself. This comes with a lot of dignity and self-respect, and a good self-advocate has self-confidence. You will send out whatever vibe you give off, so if you are your biggest fan, everyone around you will be able to feel your confidence and intelligence.

“The character you possess during the drought, is what your team will remember during the harvest.”

Something that cannot be taught in life is the knowledge when you will need to become that advocate for yourself. What this basically means is, if you want something to change you have to do that yourself, and form it into what you want it to be. Certain challenges you will face will test your patience.

I was the child who always wanted to do more, and improve programs where they needed it. Participating in Drexel and their co-op program really tested my skills of how much of a self-advocate I really am. I created four out of the five co-ops I had, which means I worked with companies not in the system, to then create new co-op opportunities for future students. I was determined to show Drexel it could be done, because I had the self-will and patience to do so. There were coordinators and faculty who advised me not participate in independent co-ops, but I knew what my end goal was, and I was prepared to embark on the journey to get there. Having been a self-advocate helped me through this process because I was prepared for the challenges to come. I believed in my goal to such a high extent, that no one would be able to tell me it wasn’t possible.

One of my favorite quotes from Jon Gordon and Mike Smith's book You Win in the Locker Room First is “the character you posses during the drought, is what your team will remember during the harvest.” What this means, is the composure and persistence you keep consistent through the hard times, is what people will remember of you when everything is taken care of. The same thing goes with being an advocate for yourself. The character you maintain throughout the rough times will show through heavily when everything is said and done. Having the determination and the strength to set up an action plan to achieve your goals, will allow you to continually get closer to more opportunities.

This comes into play with going into what college students claimed as “the real world”. No company or employer will hand you an opportunity if you don’t show him or her you are worthy of it. Advocate for yourself, to prove to them you are the right candidate. Take charge even if you are denied. By taking charge, you are participating in the initiative to make things happen for yourself. It is not an easy process, but it is well worth it. Fight for your dreams and make things happen for yourself, because no one is going to do it for you.