I have always been a rather quiet person. I usually tend to listen more in class than voice my feelings or thoughts on a subject. However, in the last couple of years I have really tried to push myself to speak up more and voice my opinions. It isn't always easy or comfortable. Sometimes I still observe rather than participate, but I put myself out there a lot more than I had in the past.
In the MSW program, I have realized the great importance of self-advocacy. I not only need to be able to effectively advocate for my clients, but also for myself. Last year definitely pushed my comfort level and my boundaries. I was forced to advocate for the support I needed and to have my academic needs met.
Last year, I was asked to speak as a Native student at American Indian College Motivation Day. I said no. I didn't feel comfortable speaking in front of hundreds of teenagers. This year, I said yes. I felt it was an important thing to do in my last year at HSU. That is also one of the main reasons I decided to be the social work student association president. I wanted to push my comfort level. I may be overextending myself a bit though......
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