Sharing Your Story

A few days ago I found myself on a panel to tell my "story" to a group of incoming first year students. This was a small, diverse group of students who were mostly first generation, low income, underrepresented students. Leading up to the panel I received some questions to prepare for, including what had been my biggest struggle and how I overcame that.  I thought I was ready to give some great advice. That is, until I heard the other panelists.  Thinking back, I'm positive that I sold myself short during my intro- but I was overwhelmed by the experience of the others who were sharing their stories. I didn't have those same struggles during school.

For a while I sat there, amongst all these people who overcame such great obstacles to get where they are. I listened to their advice- agreeing, but feeling embarrassed to be on a panel where I felt out of place. I was uncomfortable.  It was at this moment during the panel that I began to think to myself "this is why I was never on a panel before, I don't have any important information to share."  I felt sorry for myself. In the middle of a program where I was front and center with about 8 others, I had a major revelation about myself. Not an ideal place or time, but powerful.

Eventually I came around and was able to bring out some parts of my own story that were helpful- once I realized that this panel wasn't about me. I was so focused on not saying anything because I didn't think I had a valuable story- I almost missed the chance to help these students out. After the panel I had to evaluate the uneasy feelings I had.

My uneasiness was fueled by many things- one of those being that my areas of privilege became very clear to me.  Another being I had no idea what my story was. I help students all the time, asking questions giving suggestions. But I've never told "my story." 

I wanted to share this with you all, because the students said this story telling was their best experience, and they had learned so much from hearing the stories. So not only should you share your story, but find out the stories of your students and colleagues. We all can learn from each other. 

So here's my challenge- figure out your story. And ask someone else about theirs. Learn about the differences and the similarities. Don't be underprepared like I was- think through your story and about the areas you can speak to- what impact can you make by simply telling your story? 

Nicole Micolichek is the Residence Coordinator at Indiana University South Bend, heading into her third year post masters. You can follow her on Twitter