Empowerly

Student profile

“Your tongue is too strong,” my orthodontist said peering at my teeth. “You’ll need to wear braces again since it moved your teeth.” Upon hearing this, my heart sank. How could this happen? I had dutifully worn my retainer for a year, exactly as my orthodontist instructed. Several emotions ran through me at once: frustration, confusion, and a bit of anger. Looking back, I realize that I saw my braces as a barrier. 

They make me look younger, immature, and not to be taken seriously. 

Some people can’t get beyond the braces. For example, I am a Buddy at school, mentoring incoming freshmen for an entire year. Every new group of freshmen whom I work with never fails to make one comment after I introduce my name and grade. “Wait you’re not a freshman?” And as that comment passes, so does their respect for me. Everything I say after, they disregard. Consequently, I internalized the erroneous thought that I could not be an effective leader as long as I still appeared so young. 

My confidence in speaking suffered. I believed my ideas were being disregarded, and I hesitated during class presentations and fishbowls. Before speaking, my hands shook uncontrollably and my voice quavered. I spoke with my hand placed strategically over my mouth, trying to hide my braces. 

Things changed when I started working at [name of company], a hyper-reality store. One day, a customer came in for their game booking 25 minutes late for the 45 minute session. The assistant manager concluded that we could not accommodate the group. I proposed that we could take them into the smaller room since the larger room was reserved. The assistant manager declined my idea, noting that we had another appointment for the smaller room in 35 minutes. I suggested we could gear up the disappointed customers quickly to save time, allowing them to still take advantage of their scheduled time slot. He didn’t budge. 

I felt discouraged. Was it my appearance and younger age that caused him to dismiss my ideas? I debated with myself whether I should suggest my idea to the general manager, reluctant to speak up in fear that I would be dismissed again. Committed to ensuring a positive customer interaction, I built up the courage and respectfully told the assistant manager that I wanted to propose my idea to the general manager. Given his okay, I approached the manager, nervous that he would completely disregard my opinion. He didn’t. He thought my idea was great and we accommodated the group, who gave us a glowing review online. The manager commended me for my persistence and quick thinking. 

Seeing the satisfied customers with smiles on their faces and hearing the manager’s praise, I realized that my voice mattered. Braces weren’t my problem; I needed to have the courage to follow through with my ideas. I realized that I just had to work harder to command respect from everyone I meet. I reclaimed my confidence. The experience transformed me from a self-conscious, reserved, girl-with-braces to the self-assured, outgoing, woman-with-braces I am today. 

So, while I may still look young, I have grown in the way I represent myself. Rather than staying quiet in class discussions, I assert myself and propel the discussion forward with questions and additional comments. Rather than accepting that the freshman saw me as one of them, I lead them on school tours, showing my vast knowledge of the school. I compel them to listen to every word I say.  

I’m not thrilled to be wearing braces again, but these little metal bands on my teeth remind me of my journey to self-assurance. I learned that my success does not rely on my appearance, but in how I assert myself and embrace who I am. Now you’ll never catch me trying to hide my braces, my smile, or my voice. (650)