The First Time I Spoke Up For Myself

Written by Alexandria Brooks

I’ve always thought of myself to be very self-assured almost to the point where I can’t be easily influenced. But that of course like any other trait my self-assurance had to be developed over time. When I was thinking back to the first time where I spoke up for myself I was drawing a blank because it wasn’t just one instance but rather a series of instances where I was able to step into the role of being an advocate for myself.

This happened during my senior year of high school when I was applying to schools, looking for scholarships and shaping the next four years of my life like any other highschooler. I had the choice between going to culinary school to become a chef and eventually open my own restaurant or studying journalism to write for publications about the topics that interested me the most such as food, lifestyle and politics. I chose the latter because that’s where my heart was and I knew that by pursuing a career in journalism it would open up so many more opportunities. And it’s the best decision I’ve made thus far.

Making that decision did not come without concerns from some of my extended family members. Remarks like “Why journalism?”, “Does this mean that you won’t be cooking anymore?” or “That field can be really competitive” echoed a slight negative tone over the conversation. But, it wasn’t my job for quell their fears that somehow I wouldn’t be a good fit for this field. So I respectfully responded by educating them about the exciting things that are happening in journalism right now and that being a writer doesn’t limit me to only writing about the daily news.

When I responded like this it seemed like they came away from the conversation more informed about the field. If this is true then I’m happy I was able to do that because it was a rite of passage for me to stand firm in my decisions and the things that I’m passionate about. And being in college studying journalism has continued to strengthened my ability to be vocal and to speak truth to power.

I don’t have the answers about one can attain this ability but if you care about something that really speaks to you then the true test is whether or not you can defend it against doubt from others. From my personal experience it’s become gradually easier to speak up for myself as I’ve gotten older and continued to come into my own.

Plus I’ve always thought that if I didn’t speak up for myself then who would? That continues to remain true in my life and is a constant motivator to speak up whenever I feel it’s necessary.