Defying Definitions

Your Worth Beyond Likes and Comments

"What's your hobby?" I inquired of my students on the first day as a new teacher. An 8th grader chimed, "Chase chicks!" Intrigued, I asked, "Do you live on a farm?" The room erupted in laughter, with some students rolling on the ground, struggling to catch their breath. That was my introduction to the world of English idioms. As time passed, I gradually grasped their meanings, yet a profound desire remained within me—to shed my accent and speak English fluently.

People have different skills. Mine is the ability to speak multiple languages fluently, but I had a deep desire to trade anything to speak English perfectly, driven by my longing for acceptance in a new culture. I worked tirelessly to prove my worth and value, often volunteering to translate documents for colleagues who needed to connect with non-English speaking families.

One Monday morning, I returned with neatly typed documents to surprise my colleague with how much I had done. It turned out that she had circulated an email to everyone asking, “Does she even speak our English?” I pretended that it didn't dampen my spirit and delivered the documents that I had spent the weekend translating, typing, and even printing on school letterhead. I wondered if I would still have dedicated countless hours to the task if I had known her sentiment. The answer was a resounding yes because I did it for the students and families. However, I had hoped that my efforts would lead to friendship, acceptance even.

I never addressed the email and acted as if I didn't know about it. Instead, it became the driving force behind my determination not to be the soft-spoken, timid teacher. I became eager to improve and sought out resources on public speaking, even auditioning for venues like True Theater. Winning those auditions and taking the stage affirmed that practice leads to improvement. I then delved into studying improv and comedy and had the opportunity to perform at Second City. Eventually, I even landed a TEDx talk to advocate for what was in my heart.

Recently, I managed to convince the Annoyance Training Center to let me take an intensive training on Zoom. The answer was NO- initially, but I persisted, assuring them that I would take responsibility for tech issues at my own risk, risk of mastering the skill. I was eager to learn more about solo performance. I also attended the Cincy fringe festival and have already committed to performing a show next year, possibly even on a global scale. There is no age limit to achieving one's dreams.

Now I speak professionally on various topics related to communication, both speaking and writing—from preparing for a TEDx talk to advocacy and the power of storytelling for healing or business, to grant-writing and the publishing world. One of my favorite quotes is from Mother Teresa, who said, "People come into our lives as a message or a blessing." When encountering mean-spirited individuals, I ask myself what lesson I am meant to learn. In this case, I realized that I needed to leave that district behind, as the weight of that comment was unbearable. I became activist working to change legislations that impacted youth. In my next workplace, surrounded by amazing colleagues, my experience transformed from dread to winning Teacher of the Year. Two different districts, two different outcomes. If you sense that something is wrong, trust your instincts.

Above all, age, gender, or ability should never restrict our dreams. I still find it surreal that I have been invited to speak in Ireland, offering training and participating in the upcoming storytelling festival this summer. The fact that people perceive my linguistic fluency as a talent continues to astonish me. At times, we fail to appreciate our own skills while admiring the assets possessed by others.

Let go, thrive, dream, and create your own opportunities. Remember, the number of likes, comments, or reposts does not define your worth or the quality of your work!

As for my English, it remains the same as when it was mocked, the same that I used to deliver the TEDx talk, the same to keynote on stages across the globe, and the same to ask President Biden for a selfie with him. He understood and obliged, a moment that was both surreal and amazing.

I learned that opinions only define their creators. May your voice resound loudly and clearly, reaching far and near.