Empowerly

Student profile

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Feeling uncomfortable and scared while walking into Walmart, I looked down at the shiny floor and quickly reached for a cart. It was the first time I had gone to any store by myself and I did not know what to expect. The fact that I had just moved to the U.S. from India and barely spoke English did not help with my discomfort. How would I ask someone for help, or what if someone asks me for help; how would I respond? Would I stay silent or attempt to communicate through improvised body language? All these thoughts were racing through my head. In fear of embarrassment, I bought the groceries and left as soon as I could. “That went pretty smoothly,” I thought to myself. There were no hiccups, but then it hit me. I had efficiently diverted all possibilities of conversation and I knew that I would not be able to keep this up forever. While walking home, groceries in tow, I contemplated how I would learn English.

I had to master the areas of reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking all in time for school in six months, which was easier said than done. I knew that this was an activity that would take all my hard work and determination, so no matter how busy my days were, I made sure to spend my nights studying. More important than the technicalities of English reading and writing, I needed to be able to converse. In the days following the Walmart incident, I left my house with a newfound eagerness to exchange words with different people I encountered. Although it was nerve-wracking, it was time to face my fear. I returned to that same store, but this time with a resolve. I saw a store clerk and asked him, "Do you think I should get Dell or a Lenovo laptop?" I repeated myself, this time pointing to the laptops on the shelf. Still, he looked puzzled and I was growing a bit frustrated. Finally, I said it again, but this time with an American accent. He responded with, “Well, both of them are good brands, so it depends on your budget.”

I quickly realized my accent required work. The most effective way I knew to improve my accent was to listen to and talk with other people. I always went to my local park on the weekends to play basketball with the neighborhood kids and hone my accent. With all the interactions, I even managed to gain a few friends whom I talk with all the time. Fortunately for me, the people I surround myself with helped shape the type of person I became. Learning a new language brought me new and genuine friendships in which I have learned the value of diversity and inclusion. Now, I am constantly seeking out conversations and am excited by the possibilities that every discussion holds.

In my high school, I became a Link Crew leader. I was able to find a community anchored in diversity and inclusion. My role was to welcome the incoming freshmen and be a friendly link or a connection for them as they entered the unfamiliar territory that is high school. I imagine that for some of them, they could be feeling like me that first time I walked into Walmart. When overcoming the challenges of learning English and connecting with new people, I have been resilient and true to myself, accepting my accent and the challenges that come with it. I am proud to say that I am here, excited to converse and possibly create new friendships along the way.