By Sanvi Gupta, published July 1st, 2022
Throughout our lives—especially when we are younger—we frequently take the words of our peers and get to us. Taking what they say personally may leave us with tearful cries.
But, we must understand to love ourselves for who we are. We need to learn to not care so much about others' negative thoughts towards us and their assumptions of who they think we are. Because if we continue to let others dictate our self-worth, the small details in life can create a great impact on our lives.
But, we must understand to love ourselves for who we are. We need to learn to not care so much about others' negative thoughts towards us and their assumptions of who they think we are. Because if we continue to let others dictate our self-worth, the small details in life can create a great impact on our lives.
Theodore Melfi’s film, Hidden Figures explores the multiple barriers for three black women to be able to pursue their dreams and career choices.
In this film, we see what obstacles three segregated individuals had to overcome and how they stood up for themselves to change the mindset of Black women being “Less than human.
In this film, we see what obstacles three segregated individuals had to overcome and how they stood up for themselves to change the mindset of Black women being “Less than human.
When viewing this film, the theme of accepting yourself for who you are really struck me and made me reflect. When reflecting on this movie, this quote stood out to me the most:
“Would you try to be an engineer if you Were a White man?"
"I wouldn't have to. I'd already be one."
“Would you try to be an engineer if you Were a White man?"
"I wouldn't have to. I'd already be one."
The first reason why this quote stood out to me was because it taught Mary to never let race interfere with her learning abilities. he took these words and learned to not let others' words affect her. She went to the courtroom and explained how she had to take a challenging course--which was only offered in the all-white high schools. Being a black American citizen limited her rights and boundaries. After speaking in the courtroom for countless hours of debates, the judge let Mary’s case be solved. Being the only girl in the school who was Black never interfered with her learning capabilities overall as she overcame them by believing in herself and not letting others overshadow her.
This quote reminded me of the different barriers I face in my day-to-day life. I have been teased for wanting to try my very best in Elementary School. Some days all I would do was cry. No one wanted to be friends. Some days I wished I was popular like the other girls. Eventually, I learned how to be proud of who I am and never doubt myself. Since then, I have also made new friendships where I am not worried about how I look.
Overall, this quote has not only inspired me to do great things in life but has put that strength and willpower within myself. I feel ready to follow my dreams and my hopes for the future. I want to become a part-time lifeguard, then become a Pediatrician at Harvard and UBC University, and then pursue my passion for volunteering. If you only take one thing from this article, let it be: work hard to follow your heart and your dreams, as that will take you a long way in life!