In my High School we had a separate room attached to the cafeteria that was sponsored by the school's peer to peer mentoring group. It was great. We could go there- judgement free. It was a place where we could put aside the expectations of who the world wanted us to be. Our parents, our peers, even ourselves, could not push on us their unrealistic expectations- it was our safe place.
After spending a few months eating lunch there- four girls took me under their wings and showed me another side to life. It was one of those life changes times when I was shown what I was always looking for, but never knew existed. A place where I could find and be my Authentic Self.
It was under their friendship, their sisterhood, that I discovered the Humanities. Art, Literature, and Social Science. Of course we got into our own kind of trouble- deciding to cut off all our hair in the lunch room and wearing all black didn't necessarily make us...like everyone else. But we had each other, and we read amazing books, and we drew our hearts out, and we played Red Rover at 2 am at the local Elementary School Park, and well, we pierced our ears in French Class. Perfectly normal, right? Right
Well, many lifetimes later, I am in a place where I can share my own lessons with my employees. No, no, not the causing bodily harm in French Class kind, but the kind that promotes diversity and inclusion. The kind where I can help people express themselves and help them see how amazing they are. And yes, the kind where I can provide a space for them to come to work and be their Authentic Selves. To me, this is everything. I want to lead a group of people that can be who they are in a safe environment.
Due to the wonders of social media, I have minimally caught up with a few women from my past. They have grown into strong women who never gave up and continue to to fight for what is right and just. One is a Human Rights Lawyer and one is an incredible artist that raises awareness on mental illnesses. I am beyond proud that I once had lunch with these ladies for two years of my life. I am who I am today, largely in part of what they taught me. To be kind, and to be human.
Two weeks ago I learned that SG, one of my High School Heroes, has her design being sold by Juliette Lewis- how cool is that!
Be kind. Be Human. Lead.
Jessie
Support a High School Hero by purchasing SG's "Bliss Out" tee here!
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| SG RC, MK, and MT Thank you for teaching me to be...me. |
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