self advocacy 101 for school and beyond
by Caroline
Self advocacy means speaking up for your needs. And self advocacy may mean something different in context. Here are some hacks.’
classes
In an academic setting self advocacy could mean sending an email to a professor regarding the need for extra time on an exam, or having testing accommodations. It means making sure the professor is aware of your needs so you can be as successful as possible. I did this frequently throughout my classes to remain on top of my assignments or test taking.
clubs
If you join some clubs, it may mean working with different people in a leadership or participation role to be sure your voice is heard as a member and an advocate. It means devoting yourself to whatever outreach it takes so every individual is heard in the overall team or group, making sure there is inclusion and understanding among members and group topics. I was a part of active minds (breaking the stigma of mental illness) and Abled Advocators where we advocated for the voices of all abilities across campus.
For me, starting with self advocacy is the key.
When I was in school I hoped through every struggle there would be a gain I could get and from every hardship there is a lesson: be it a failed exam, or lost friendships – there is always something to learn and a greener path waiting on the other side. I like to call myself a lifelong learner and be it school or for fun, I always find myself engaged in life’s day- to-day experiences so I continue thriving throughout life. For me, starting with self advocacy is the key.
relationships
I’ve been in several relationships and have learned something from every experience. I learned to communicate my needs as well as hear my partner’s needs so we can understand one another and have a loving, respectful and caring relationship. In a relationship there is always a bit of give and take and sometimes it’s not always 50/50. Sometimes one person has to offer more of themselves so the other can pick themselves back up, for the betterment of the relationship. I enjoy being coupled and being courted and as long as there is understanding and respect within the relationship.I look forward to a fruitful relationship in the future where we can both thrive on our own and as a couple.
work
I’ve had to advocate for myself in every job experience, to make sure there is understanding at every level and job title. Because no matter where you are in life or your job title or monetary status, everyone deserves respect and understanding. From working in a school cafeteria, where I learned the value of customer service, to varying jobs such as being a preschool aid helping the development of young children and also as a CNA, where I attended to the needs of older adults. In every instance, there have been occasions where I’ve needed to speak up for myself so as an employee, especially one who could see many different options when it comes to difficult scenarios.
My life’s purpose is not to have one overarching theme of success, but to make a difference and help others. I care about how the little moments of trial and error can add up to happiness if we focus on the gratitude, and enjoy the happiness and fulfillment as successes.
self advocacy 101 for school and beyond
by Caroline
Self advocacy means speaking up for your needs. And self advocacy may mean something different in context. Here are some hacks.’
classes
In an academic setting self advocacy could mean sending an email to a professor regarding the need for extra time on an exam, or having testing accommodations. It means making sure the professor is aware of your needs so you can be as successful as possible. I did this frequently throughout my classes to remain on top of my assignments or test taking.
clubs
If you join some clubs, it may mean working with different people in a leadership or participation role to be sure your voice is heard as a member and an advocate. It means devoting yourself to whatever outreach it takes so every individual is heard in the overall team or group, making sure there is inclusion and understanding among members and group topics. I was a part of active minds (breaking the stigma of mental illness) and Abled Advocators where we advocated for the voices of all abilities across campus.
For me, starting with self advocacy is the key.
When I was in school I hoped through every struggle there would be a gain I could get and from every hardship there is a lesson: be it a failed exam, or lost friendships – there is always something to learn and a greener path waiting on the other side. I like to call myself a lifelong learner and be it school or for fun, I always find myself engaged in life’s day- to-day experiences so I continue thriving throughout life. For me, starting with self advocacy is the key.
relationships
I’ve been in several relationships and have learned something from every experience. I learned to communicate my needs as well as hear my partner’s needs so we can understand one another and have a loving, respectful and caring relationship. In a relationship there is always a bit of give and take and sometimes it’s not always 50/50. Sometimes one person has to offer more of themselves so the other can pick themselves back up, for the betterment of the relationship. I enjoy being coupled and being courted and as long as there is understanding and respect within the relationship.I look forward to a fruitful relationship in the future where we can both thrive on our own and as a couple.
work
I’ve had to advocate for myself in every job experience, to make sure there is understanding at every level and job title. Because no matter where you are in life or your job title or monetary status, everyone deserves respect and understanding. From working in a school cafeteria, where I learned the value of customer service, to varying jobs such as being a preschool aid helping the development of young children and also as a CNA, where I attended to the needs of older adults. In every instance, there have been occasions where I’ve needed to speak up for myself so as an employee, especially one who could see many different options when it comes to difficult scenarios.