Final Free Speech Friday: Life=Risk

You may not believe me, but some of the most extraordinary people who have walked this earth have had to face defeat, rejection, and failure. The only difference between the people mentioned in this video and everyone else, is that they didn’t give up, they wanted something and they fought for it! Many of us are still in college, have just graduated, or are just beginning life independently in the real world, but no matter where we stand, we all face the possibility of failure and rejection. We should not, however, be afraid of failure because had Walt Disney or Thomas Edison negatively internalized what others told them, the world would have no Disneyland, Disney World or light bulbs! Now imagine that! No one is perfect and we can only truly learn by trial and error. Over the course of this year the WSP team and I have grown so much, but it could not have happened without learning from our mistakes and continuously trying to become better. Now I know that finals are coming up next week and I would like to end this post by challenging you all to face failure with your most confident glare. Trust that as long as you put the time and effort into your final exams and papers, you will finish strong! I hope that we can all learn from these success stories and not be discouraged by our failures, but rather, be empowered to become stronger, wiser, and better individuals. Remember, if you have never  failed, you have never lived.

Post by: Alexandra Barba

Freeing my Speech: a Self Proclamation

*NOTE: For more information on the reading and prompt that inspired this essay please click here.

Those who have grasped my inner essence are very aware of the fact that I am a self-proclaimed introvert. Although others have deemed me an “interesting” introvert (I’m still not fully aware of what that means), I am steadfastly aware of the fact that I cringe at the notion of sharing my thoughts, feelings, and worst of all my opinions. It makes me want to melt, to ooze with uneasiness at the prospect of standing in front of a room, or even sitting within a lecture hall and speaking out in front of other individuals. Some may call it petty, others may deem it stage fright, or an aversion to public speaking. I merely justify this fear by inciting my “introvertedness”, something I have embraced in the past. So when asked to stir up the uneasiness and dip my toes in the waters of discomfort, I figured that now is as good a time as any to challenge my introverted self to liberate the pent up voice I so often belittle.

I knew my best chance at success would be to set benchmarks, a stringent trajectory of goals to follow in order to commit myself to the daunting task of raising my hand and speaking out in class. Although for some this may seem like a trivial challenge, or not even a challenge at all, allowing the prospect of speaking during class to enter my mind was like opening the gates so the anxiety driven butterflies could set up shop. I kept repeating a mantra to myself; this was “all in the name of WSP”. That phrase I hoped was going to get me through.

And so, I developed a weekly goal for myself.

Week one would entail mental preparation. Much like the way athletes envision their ideal race or angelic pass, I was visualizing myself inching my hand into the air, and being called on, which hopefully would follow with an intellectually stimulating response from yours truly. This benchmark was easily attained as most class periods I find myself psyching myself up to get at bat, swinging and scoring as I repeat what I would say about ten times in my head had I actually been remotely daring enough to raise my hand.

Come week two it was time to actually swing, or rather to leap. And so I leapt. I encouraged myself to speak up in my discussion section at least once. I pretended that the methodological pounding of my heart was just the bodily manifestation of my adrenaline. And when I finished my remark, the endearing smile from my professor made the whole ordeal feel slightly less traumatic, just slightly though.

Week three would come to test the shaky confidence I had just manufactured. Not only would I speak up in discussion section, but I would share my thoughts two times in one fifty minute section. That’s one comment every 25 minutes, an unnerving statistic for someone like me. And again I surprised myself. I knew what I wanted to say and in an almost out of body experience (it may have actually been that dramatic) I delivered my notions with ease. My neighbor’s response took me by surprise, when he said my voice was not even shaky.

No sooner would my newly built self-assurance dissolve when I realized that Week four presented itself with the most formidable challenge thus far. This challenge would manifest itself as my inner gauntlet, a true test of nerves and my budding inner confidence. It was time for the major leagues. I provoked myself to speak up, not in section might I add, but in my 150 person lecture. And, boy was it challenging. I was lucky to have a close friend whose calming eyes and blissful smile kept me grounded. I could do this. It’s “all in the name of WSP”.  After drinking my entire bottle of water and munching on an untold amount of carrots (I tend to be a nervous snacker) I knew it was time. Deep breath. And it was all over.

I, me, Ashton, the quiet listening introvert, just spoke in front of 150 people. Not only did I speak, but I shared something typically so guarded, something very personal to me, my vulnerable thoughts.

We often speak of empowerment, words as a form of inner liberation. I have relied on writing as a crutch for empowerment, knowing it was something I excelled at, was something comfortable for me, and something effective. Persistent bouts of self-reflection yield the innermost knowledge of one’s self. But knowing that I was better at listening to students, peers, and friends, rather than sharing my own personal inhibitions became too comfortable for me. I could no longer rely on this introverted justification. I find that I am most uncomfortable when I get too comfortable (hence the interesting introvert comment). In dedicating myself to discomfort, I freed my own speech, possibly the most genuine sense of self-empowerment I have cultivated. In the name of WSP, I created a self-proclamation to speak up and speak out.

Post Submitted by Ashton

Wednesday Word: Is optimism really good for you?

When asked in an interview what one’s strongest quality is, one of the most frequent responses is an individual’s ability to be optimistic. Optimism runs rampant in our society. It’s highly revered and widely sought after, but does the constant repeating of the optimistic mantra make the positive disposition less significant? I wonder if the essence of optimism can be lost in translation, if it’s merely a superficial box to check off on a resume.

Frida Ghitis’ article, “Is optimism really good for you?” sheds light on the possibly detrimental effects of false optimism, or misinterpreting what true optimists have set out to do. Ghitis warns that, “We shouldn’t confuse the power of positive thinking with the dangerous delusion of wishful thinking. They end at very different destinations.” Optimism is not denial, nor it is hopeful. True optimism is based on a foundation of intention and the intention to act, to create the favorable circumstances we all hope to find ourselves in.

Optimism can be defined as, “a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome”. Ghitis begs the question of whether “expecting” the most favorable outcome is enough to be defined by one’s self and by society as a whole, as an optimist. She says that, “Optimism by itself can be dangerous. It must always travel in the company of action, common sense, resourcefulness and considered risk-taking.” Expectation doesn’t necessarily heed action. College students can be especially prone to this type of idealistic thinking that is empty of any sort of tangible trajectory to reach the expected positive outcome.

As students, as advocates, as thinkers, and as human beings, we cannot simply stay comfortable and sit back, waiting optimistically might I add, for everything to work itself out in the end. Rather, we need to set a goal, make the plan, and act on this sense of positivism to ensure that we create a platform to achieve that happy ending and ultimately build a better world.

“Optimism can take the distasteful tone of arrogance, or it can sound like the sunny chirps of the brainwashed. Either one of these can lead to disaster. It’s only the optimism that reasons, that considers courses of action and different potential outcomes, that pushes ahead, which truly leads to greatness.”

 

Post Submitted By: Ashton 

WSP Staff Use the Work of Father Gregory Boyle to Break Apart Typical Definitions of Success

This week the WSP staff read a chapter from Father Gregory Boyle’s book, Tattoos on the Heart. Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries, a Los Angeles organization that offers resources and job opportunities to young men and women who have been involved in gangs and are ready to start building a new life apart from gang activity.

In the chapter the WSP staff read, entitled “Success,” Boyle discusses different ways of imagining and defining success, challenging the mainstream notion that success is simply a “happy ending” or a quantitative measure of progress.
As someone who partners who individuals who are struggling to transition from a life in gangs, to working in Homeboy Industries and establishing independent lives, Boyle is often called upon to tell heart-warming stories of human potential and progress. Typically people want to hear accounts that represent a small slice of the work of Homeboy Industries. They yearn for tales of redemption, descriptions of rescued gang members who are able to transform conditions of poverty into idyllic, stable homes. Boyle resists this social pressure, defining success as a lifelong process of truly and deeply seeing the people you serve. It is having the courage to stand beside those who live on the margins of society and partnering together in building something new.

For so many of us who study and work at UCLA, it is vital that we examine our personal definitions of success and interrogate how we fashion the internal yardstick by which we judge ourselves and others. Is success a story of constant upward mobility? Is it simply graduating from UCLA with a rich set of leadership experiences and a high GPA? OR, As Boyle argues, have we been blinded by our reckless pursuit of a painfully narrow definition of “success?”

At WSP we hope that you will find this week’s essays thought-provoking, especially as we head into final exams and the holidays. How do you measure achievement and success in your own life? How could a large dollop of compassion shift your relationship to yourself, your work with others, and your studies or career?

For more information on Homeboy Industries and ways you can support their work, please click here.

Free Speech Fridays: John Wooden—The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding

The essence of John Wooden is manifested in his natural tendency to teach. John Wooden’s personable appeal is the foundation for his powerful ability to touch the lives of those around him. As the centerfold of UCLA rhetoric, Wooden’s genuineness lends credibility to his teachings. Wooden reveals the intricacies of success by demonstrating that triumph is not limited to victory, but rather emphasizes the character building that drives this journey towards success. The intuitive manner in which Wooden speaks encourages each one of us to seek out this character building and discover our own ability to be a teacher, for ourselves and for those around us. Wooden helps us understand that with patience in heart and mind we must seek change, as there is no progress without change.

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

 –John Wooden

Post Submitted by: Ashton 

Achieving Academic Success Against All Odds

*NOTE: For more information about the reading and prompt that inspired this essay, please click here.

The force field model by Edward “Chip” Anderson helps identify the forces that produce either academic achievement and persistence or academic failure and attrition. These forces are either positive or negative, and by having more driving forces than restraining forces, students are more likely to achieve academic success. Anderson explains that low-income students face more restraining forces than high-income students. These low-income students come from “low socioeconomic backgrounds, generally attended inferior schools…have lower academic skills, they must therefore spend more time reading, studying, and preparing for their courses; at the same time, more of their time and energy is required to fulfill financial, work, housing, transportation, and family responsibilities.” I come from a low-income family but because I actively sought support, I was able to overcome these obstacles and attain a higher education. The obstacles don’t end with an acceptance letter, and although I face new restraining forces, I continue to find ways to counter them. For example, leaving the support group I had back at home affected me greatly, but I managed to find a new support group. My coworkers, friends and I share similar goals and they keep me motivated to achieve academic success despite the odds.

My Own Force Field Model

After creating my own force field model I feel even more inclined to resist the forces that hold me back and keep striving no matter how hard it may be. I am fortunate enough to learn about these forces and feel committed to apply what I have learned to my community. One of the people that has influenced me the most from my community was my high school counselor. She did an amazing job of encouraging and guiding her students through the college application process. I recognize that not many schools have counselors as a resource and my career aspiration is to become one. I want to be able to give back to my community by helping students recognize the driving and restraining forces in their own lives and encourage them to seek help. I think it’s important to take an active role in defying the negative statistics about low-income students and I want to be a part of that active change.

Post submitted by Alexandra Barba

Thursday Take-Off: What is your life success model?

 

Think about the moments when hardwork and perseverance led to success in your life. Reflect on the philosophy, ideas, values, or advice that you applied to each of your pursuits.

How do you define success in life? What steps did you take to achieve success in your life?

Post submitted by: Miqi Cos

American Cultural Literacy: “The bad workman always blames his tools”

“The bad workman always blames his tools”

PROVERB

Our success or failure is determined not by what we have to work with but by how we employ what we have. A good workman takes care of his tools.

American Cultural Literacy: “Well begun is half done”

“Well begun is half done”

PROVERB

A good beginning almost assures success.

American Cultural Literacy: “Nothing succeeds like success”

“Nothing succeeds like success”

PROVERB

Success breeds more success

Jadessa’s Speech: “Life is NOT a Box of Chocolates”

Imagine you are going back to your high school and giving the students a speech about life, academics, success, hardship, identity and/or the pursuit of happiness. What would you tell them?

 

When you close your eyes and think about your future life what do you imagine?  Have you completed your education? Do you have the career you always wanted? Are you happy with your life? Do you like the person you have become? These are questions that can be only be answered through a careful reflection of the self in something I like to call “the life quest of self-discovery”.  As corny and cliché as this may sound to you now, discovering who you really are and what you truly want out of life is the eternal struggle that all of us go through at some point in time, and it is the key to our individual successes.

We all begin this journey at different points of our lives; for some it starts in high school and for others it does not come emerge until later and manifests itself into a midlife crisis. In my case, the quest of self-discovery began in my freshman year of college. I can remember my first ever quarter at UCLA. It was fall 2009 and I was 17 years old. I was so excited about finally having my freedom from my parents and being free to experience all that life had to offer since I had been sheltered for most of my life. I was a college student now; I was part of the cream of the crop attending one of the top research institutions in the nation, UCLA. I felt so validated by where my hard work and dedication got me, all those honors and community college courses I took in high school finally paid off: I was in the big leagues now. Little did I know then that my college years would turn out to be some of the most tumultuous yet eye opening years of my life. As you could probably imagine, my first year in college was not one of my best years. I was struggling to find my way. Here I was, on my own for the first time in my whole life; I did not know how to handle it. My grades were blah to say the least; I was barely able to keep up a 2.0 average. I was in debt to housing because I could not afford to live in the dorm I was originally placed in so I had to move out my second quarter. I struggled financially until I was finally able to find a work study job that would hire me. I did not have much of a social life either. I was still uncomfortable coming out of my shell since I had never really experienced what it was like to go to parties and other social gatherings when I was in high school. Needless to say, I slipped into a semi-depression; I was at the point where I cried more than I laughed and enjoyed myself because I felt so unhappy and alone. I desperately just wanted to go back to my sheltered life, I figured it would be less stressful if I was in an environment that I was familiar with. I felt like I did not belong. With the support of my close friends and the encouragement of my family I managed to survive my first year of college. I would love to tell you all that it got easier after that rough first year but if I told you that then I would surely be telling you a lie. In the words of my mother “ Life’s a bitch and then you die”. As callous as those words may sound, they do hold some truth to them and I have heard them in the back of my head for most of my life.

In my interpretation of what my mother meant by  those words is that life is inherently full of struggles, there is no way of avoiding that. However, you do not have to let the struggles succumb you; overcome them, turn them into triumphs. Take me as a prime example. I have been through much trials and tribulations in this lifetime but I have never let them define me. If I did, I would have transferred out of UCLA my first year because it was “too difficult”. If I did then I would have never taken this path of self-discovery to find out what I am truly passionate about,; I probably would be stuck in the same mindset I was in when I was in high school: suppressed and unimaginative. Life is about the experience. You cannot truly say that you are your full self until you have let yourself be challenged and you have challenged life back. This is a lesson that I am gradually learning for myself and I can tell you that I have never felt more alive, and I know this is feeling is only the beginning. So my question to you today is are you going to coast through life without realizing your true potential or are you going to take control and make life YOUR bitch for a change? Because at the end of the day only you can determine your life so it is up to you to make it a life worth living.

 

Written by Jadessa

Free Speech Fridays: Overcoming fear

In this interview on BBC rapper/actor/entrepreneur Curtis “50 cent” Jackson is discussing his new book “The 5oth Law”. The book is centered is around fear and overcoming struggles in order to succeed in references to experiences in his own life. I thought it was a rather captivating interview and gives a different perspective on the whole idea of fear. Check it out!

Post submitted by Jadessa

American Cultural Literacy: “Sink or swim”

“Sink or swim”

IDIOM

MEANING: A sink-or-swim situation is one in which we must save ourselves by our own means or else fail.  THe image is that of a person thrown into the water without a life preserver; he or she must swim or drown.

Habit #1: Be Proactive (not the acne treatment)

Highlight of this chapter: “They cannot take away our self respect if we do not give it to them.” -Ghandi

In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey offers this Ghandi quotation to emphasize our control. Nothing can hurt you, your chances of getting into a program, your ability to perform well at work or the effectiveness of your voice without your consent. Sounds whimsical and idealistic, right? Well, that’s what I thought at first. However, when I think back to all the times that I felt vulnerable and powerless, more than half of those moments presented an opportunity for me to develop my voice. That’s where even the most challenging moments sow seeds of power within us. Although situations can hurt my bank account, GPA, or ego…nothing can hurt my character, principles, and who I am. This is the mentality Covey suggests we adopt before being proactive.

Chapter 1 of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People asserts that “Taking initiative does not mean being pushy, obnoxious, or aggressive. It does mean recognizing our responsibility to make things happen.” So, proactive thinking is not the same as positive thinking. We’re not just doing some free willy nilly hoping for things to happen. We must do those things. We must accept the reality of our challenges and capacity, then act! Peep the difference between these statements:

1) He makes me so mad.

2) I control my own feelings.

In statement 2), one can place more agency on herself; therefore, may be less likely to internalize negative energy that people try to project onto her. Again, this power to face adversity in real terms invites us to change things in our favor. Try to think about this when you make and keep commitments. Sometimes, among my friends we call this “being real with yourself.” That is to say, focus on real circumstances that can shape your present state of being and capacity. Then, using control and your own preexisting power within you, evaluate the commitment.

Posted by: Tiffany