SOVA Blog

by brownieheidi1718

Let’s Talk About Talking

July 27, 2021 in Educate Yourself

In a world of such immediate communication through smartphones and the Internet, it is important to recognize the importance of words and how they can be used both positively and negatively.

Certain phrases demonstrate powerful exclusion against one or more groups or classes based on sex, class, or ability. Phrases of sexual exclusion may include “boys and girls” or “ladies and gentlemen,” automatically assuming that everyone only adheres to one of these two particular genders. Phrases of class exclusion include “poor people” or “developing country.” These common phrases may shame or offend individuals who are part of a community that is wholeheartedly and uniquely theirs. Lastly, phrases that demonstrate ability exclusion include “disabled person” or calling someone “crazy.” Again, these words are hurtful and insensitive to certain groups.

Many times, I have been upset by people calling others “messed up” or “slow” with regard to their mental abilities. Some people are not aware that these words they are using are extremely exclusive and offensive. In an effort to learn how I could actively improve situations like this, I took a class that focused on using sports as a means to empower individuals with a variety of abilities. It did so through inclusion and respect for all. We had guest speakers come into the class to talk about their experiences playing sports and how it made them feel accepted and become a stronger person. I gained a lot from this experience and I learned that everyone is deserving of equal respect and should never be treated with such ableist language.

Recognizing microaggressions in everyday language is one key to preventing bullying. Take this situation for example: you overhear a conversation escalating and hear a teenager tell a 60-year-old man “okay boomer, go back to figuring out how to use that smartphone of yours.” Using disrespectful language like this towards someone who is from a different generation is a dangerous form of mockery and discourtesy. I find myself trying to be especially conscious of what I am saying when dealing with people of different age groups at school and at work, so I can help prevent hurtful things like “okay boomer” from being said.

We always want to try our best to include everyone and avoid saying things that can be misinterpreted as hurtful or exclusive. That being said, it is still okay to make mistakes. Sometimes we need to ask for a refresher every now and then on what phrases may be offensive to somebody. This is especially important when it comes to respecting gender identity, race identity, and class.

It is important to remember that a conversation about language should be an educational conversation, not a shaming one. If you are in a situation where something hurtful is said, perhaps take some time to discuss the history of what was said and what the current climate around it is. You can also offer others some action steps to learn from, for example, by suggesting a YouTuber who creates great content on the subject. For a more systematic approach, you can also:

    • Explain why what was said wasn’t great.
    • Explain why it matters.
    • Try your best not to judge others for their mistakes.
  • Also,
    • Consider who is around.
    • Consider your relationship with the person and implications of the conversation.
    • Care about the person and the cause.

Has anyone used any microaggressions or exclusionary language around, or even to you? How did you react? Have you ever taken any steps to unlearn language that you used to use that you have since learned can be offensive?

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by brownieheidi1718

Hats Off to a Fresh Start

May 17, 2021 in Be Positive

As I scroll through Instagram, my feed is starting to fill up with a plethora of creative graduation posts, from tossing graduation hats to making nostalgic videos of old schools. Similar to my Instagram feed, my mind is starting to fill up too. I am so overjoyed to see my friends succeeding and smiling and I’m curious as to what everyone’s future plans and goals are. It is sad to feel some FOMO, both within myself for not being able to physically congratulate those who I love, and for others who may not be able to attend in-person ceremonies. But I am also anxious, frequently wondering, “will everything be okay?”

After so many months of ‘what’s next?’ and ‘will we be all right?’, I am extremely hopeful for this summer. I see a very bright light shining at the end of this long, dark tunnel that has changed our lives so drastically. My plans for the summer are ever-changing but all follow two common themes: relaxation and self-care. It has been over a year since the pandemic began, and so many aspects of normal life have been flipped around 180°. We approach simple things, like doorknobs and loose change, with so much more caution than we ever could have imagined. But we also face other little things, like time and hugs, with so much more appreciation than we may have ever deemed necessary.

As public places begin to open up and people become more comfortable with hanging out in groups, I too hope to become more comfortable safely socializing this summer. I know this may take some time, and I will try to be easy on myself. It’s okay not to feel comfortable saying “yes” to every social invite that comes up this summer. After a very long year, readjusting to “normal” may not be the easiest transition. I will keep reminding myself of that.

Additionally, I started a job this summer that requires constant communication and interaction with others. I am equal parts excited and nervous, because it has been so long that I have participated in normal conversation with strangers. But overall, I hope to gain confidence from this experience and make a difference, even if it means just making someone smile after a tough day.

I also want to not only set, but achieve, many goals for my mental and physical health this summer as well. Setting realistic and attainable goals, like eating healthy on weekdays (because who can resist a good barbecue and s’mores on the weekend!), working out even twice a week, and devoting time for meditation or self-care routines, will help me have a positive mindset and hopefully boost my serotonin levels.

These are just a few things I hope to do this summer. Of course, I also want to do yoga as the sun rises, listen to waves crash on warm beach days, and enjoy sunsets with the ones I love. I am hopeful that every one of these things will boost my mental health and make for an incredible summer, and more importantly, an incredible fresh start.

Are you hitting a reset button this summer? What is something that you are looking forward to, whether it’s next week, this summer, or later this year?

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by brownieheidi1718

A Tribute to Women’s History Month

April 12, 2021 in Be Positive

One of my strongest held convictions is that we have the most powerful influence on the world we live in. We are in control of how we treat each other, our society, and our environment. It is therefore up to us to take action against what is wrong in our world. One of the things we need to take action against is inequality in the workplace.

Every day, millions of women work incredibly hard to research and improve the overall health of our planet and how we can constantly become better. Despite this, women face an incredible amount of challenges on a daily basis, from being excluded or treated as inferior, experiencing a difference in pay, and being required to work harder for certain opportunities.

As a woman in STEM, I have heard other women’s stories about how they’re “just a girl” or how they felt they weren’t able keep up with their male coworkers. Hearing these stories saddens me but motivates me as well. I strive to not compare myself to anyone, regardless of gender. Instead, I try to just focus on letting my hard work and motivation define the person I am becoming. I believe in fairness and giving people a chance, so I try to translate these values in my daily life. I try to compliment my peers if they did a good job, check in with people who may be feeling like they aren’t enough, and serve as a role model for others.

Observing the way the women in my life have achieved amazing things in their fields is truly an inspiration. I am surrounded by female nurses, doctors, and aspiring environmental engineers. I have had lunch with those who wish to become math teachers, digital forensic investigators, and physician’s assistants. Women have made such great strides and their efforts have totally revolutionized science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This revolution begins with all of us.

Not only do I foresee a world where men and women are treated equally, but one where humans, animals, and the living world around us coexist in paramount harmony and peace. We just have to work hard, and more importantly, work together, to attain that goal.

Have you ever faced discrimination at work or in the field that you’re interested in because of your gender or any of your identities? What motivates you to achieve the things that you’re passionate about?

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by brownieheidi1718

Why Is Community Service an Important Part of Adult Life?

February 8, 2021 in Be Positive

There is always something each of us as individuals can do to help the world. By giving back to the community, we are helping in so many great ways, and we may not even realize that each of our little actions are so beneficial to others, especially as we grow to become mature adults. I have always loved and valued helping others, and it is my strongest held conviction that we should all give back a little to make the world a better and happier place.

I crave the feelings of positivity I get when I donate my free time to help others. It feels like I have an important place in this world and that others value the time and efforts I put forth for them. One of my most memorable experiences of helping others is when my mom, my brother, and I spent the day as volunteers at a nearby soup kitchen. We served food for dozens of people and greeted them each with a warm smile. We saw how thankful these people were to receive as little as a piece of fresh garlic bread. Some would even ask politely for two pieces, and were all the more grateful. We were told that in the soup kitchen, no questions are asked and everyone is treated equally. I loved the kind group of volunteers who taught us what the true meaning behind giving back was, and in general loved everything that I learned from this amazing experience.

Another great way I was able to feel the benefits of giving back was when I attended a football game with my boyfriend. He found a $10 bill on the ground. With the mindset that the dollar bill wasn’t ours, he turned to me. Instead of saying “hey, look what I found,” he said “I have an idea.” A few days later, we were in the dollar store picking out 10 pairs of hats, gloves, and other products that a shelter may need. We drove to a nearby shelter and donated all of them. It was freezing out, but the warmth in his heart really opened my eyes. I saw the bigger picture. I felt much stronger and felt I could do things like this, even if on a smaller scale, on an everyday basis.

Of course I wish I could give money to every single person in need, but instead, I can continue volunteering all around my community and can do my best to spread happiness to those who need it. I can try to gather friends and family to volunteer with me or just encourage them to find anything to do to help people on their own. I wish the whole world could feel that love and achievement at least once. Giving back to the community is something that we cannot live without. It builds character and self-purpose, and it is a symbol of maturity and responsibility.

We need to give in order to get, but as my dad always says, we also should give just out of the goodness of our hearts. A world where everyone does their best to make people happy and feel loved is just perfect. And by doing even the smallest kind actions or saying something nice to others, we can all make this world possible.

How do you help others? Do you volunteer, or do you reach out to others when you see they need help? How do you feel when you do so?

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by brownieheidi1718

A Shift in Mindset: Mind Over Money

January 21, 2021 in Educate Yourself

Being a student in the midst of a global pandemic has thrown the unexpected directly at us. It has repeatedly heightened the worry and fear of “am I on the right path?” “is this all worth it?” and of course, “am I good enough?”

Student debt is no secret, and unfortunately, many students find themselves waist-deep in anxiety and stress before college even begins. The stress of looking at college price tags and questioning how much one can actually afford can be overwhelming, especially during already stressful times.

Regardless of whether the student or the parent is the one paying for college, it is important to consider the long-term implications a college education could have on an individual’s mental health.

I’ve come up with a few ways that have helped me balance the “sticker shock” of a college education with the maintenance of a healthy mindset during financial uncertainty.

1. Start budgeting and saving now to create lasting benefits on your financial well-being. Try to constantly maintain an emergency fund for those “just in case” moments.

2. Have a slight change in mindset from “I’ll never be able to do this” to “I will do this.” Believing in myself has brought me great peace of mind, allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurriculars, and worry less about finances as a student.

3. Understand that a post-secondary education as an excellent investment in your future. College is expensive. But if you are fortunate enough to be gifted with a college education, try to humbly accept that you are there for a reason, that you will do your best to success, and that your hard work will pay off.

The way I see it, too often are numbers allowed to define the world around us. We see it all the time, from how much a person makes, to how much that person weighs, to how much they spend on their house and car. With that, I’m not going to let my personal finances define me.

My overall goal is to be happy with the journey I have chosen, and hold fast to the loving, supportive people who are by my side.

Keep believing in yourself. You’re awesome and you can do this.

Are you currently in college? Are you considering going to college? What financial concerns do you have, and if you have any, how has it impacted you? If you’ve graduated, what was your experience like financially (and mentally) in school?

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