I am so glad that you found an ally like Dr Liu. This kind of allyship is becoming rarer by the day in academia. When someone has faith in you, it propels you forward with a greater velocity.
Like most women I struggle with beating my own drum but I consciously push myself to because I deserve recognition for the work I put in; I deserve boundaries, and I will protect myself against exploitation; I deserve every bit of the space I occupy.
Thank you for sharing your story and these important reminders!
This is such an inspiring post! It shows how even a seemingly tiny nod of recognition can activate a chemical cocktail in the brain of good feelings for oneself and extra motivation to do better work, and the confidence to ask for things knowing you have quality to offer.
Happy Tuesday, Dinah. This post comes at a time when I am feeling these things myself, and can appreciate what this does to a person who's working to accomplish something in their life.
I love this. There are so many people who call themselves allies but do not walk the walk! And these examples show that being an ally and an advocate isn’t difficult. It can be as simple as using your influence to lift someone else up.
This essay was also a good reminder that closed mouths don’t get fed 😩 and that we should be speaking up for ourselves and claiming credit for the things we produce or achieve. It’s easier said than done though, and I’m still working on unlearning my modesty.
Real allyship is about action, not titles. It doesn’t take much to change someone’s path; sometimes it’s a simple nudge, a recommendation, or saying someone’s name in the right room.
And yes, the “closed mouths don’t get fed” part is such an ongoing lesson. I’m still working on that too. It’s hard to unlearn modesty when we’ve been conditioned to equate it with being good. But speaking up for our work isn’t arrogance; it’s self-respect
Thank you for sharing! This piece reminded me of all the men who crossed my path and supported me throughout my research career. I have to say that, in my early career, most of my allies were men — and that made me lower my guard later on in my professional life. Waiting for the next ally 😁
Teachers and mentors really can make such a difference, and an opportunity to be part of a project like that and have your name on it is pretty remarkable as an undergrad. That's not typical, so something to be very proud of.
Yes, incredibly unique. I'm sure that really helped set you apart for grad school. You only get professors like that every so often. It's ironic how everyone was warning you about that class, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. Just goes to show it's all perception.
It's so wonderful to read your story, to hear your passion and insight and companionship as you have continued to stretch and to lead. Thanks for showing that more than just hard work is needed, and we can all play a role.
I am so glad that you found an ally like Dr Liu. This kind of allyship is becoming rarer by the day in academia. When someone has faith in you, it propels you forward with a greater velocity.
Like most women I struggle with beating my own drum but I consciously push myself to because I deserve recognition for the work I put in; I deserve boundaries, and I will protect myself against exploitation; I deserve every bit of the space I occupy.
Thank you for sharing your story and these important reminders!
You absolutely do deserve the recognition, boundaries and the space you occupy!!!
This is such an inspiring post! It shows how even a seemingly tiny nod of recognition can activate a chemical cocktail in the brain of good feelings for oneself and extra motivation to do better work, and the confidence to ask for things knowing you have quality to offer.
Yes. That is exactly what I was trying to say! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!! Happy Tuesday
Happy Tuesday, Dinah. This post comes at a time when I am feeling these things myself, and can appreciate what this does to a person who's working to accomplish something in their life.
I love this. There are so many people who call themselves allies but do not walk the walk! And these examples show that being an ally and an advocate isn’t difficult. It can be as simple as using your influence to lift someone else up.
This essay was also a good reminder that closed mouths don’t get fed 😩 and that we should be speaking up for ourselves and claiming credit for the things we produce or achieve. It’s easier said than done though, and I’m still working on unlearning my modesty.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment.
Real allyship is about action, not titles. It doesn’t take much to change someone’s path; sometimes it’s a simple nudge, a recommendation, or saying someone’s name in the right room.
And yes, the “closed mouths don’t get fed” part is such an ongoing lesson. I’m still working on that too. It’s hard to unlearn modesty when we’ve been conditioned to equate it with being good. But speaking up for our work isn’t arrogance; it’s self-respect
“Speaking up for our work isn’t arrogance, it’s self respect”
That part!!
Thank you for sharing! This piece reminded me of all the men who crossed my path and supported me throughout my research career. I have to say that, in my early career, most of my allies were men — and that made me lower my guard later on in my professional life. Waiting for the next ally 😁
That's awesome! I am glad you had some great allies in your life too!
Thank you for sharing such a personal experience and for reminding all of us to both advocate for ourselves and lift others up along the way.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I am really glad the story resonated with you!
Teachers and mentors really can make such a difference, and an opportunity to be part of a project like that and have your name on it is pretty remarkable as an undergrad. That's not typical, so something to be very proud of.
It was a pretty cool experience, and I didn't realize how unique it was until I went to grad school!!!
Yes, incredibly unique. I'm sure that really helped set you apart for grad school. You only get professors like that every so often. It's ironic how everyone was warning you about that class, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. Just goes to show it's all perception.
It is all perception. Silly me for listening too them too! I am glad it was a required course or I might never have discovered it!
It's so wonderful to read your story, to hear your passion and insight and companionship as you have continued to stretch and to lead. Thanks for showing that more than just hard work is needed, and we can all play a role.
Thanks Hans!