As I sit in my last class, I listen to the personal stories that each student shares. I ask myself, "How do they have the confidence in sharing such deep thoughts? Let me provide some context here, in my multicultural psychology class we tackle subjects such as stereotypes, perspectives, diversity, the meaning of culture, cultural humility...etc. Our professor asks us questions in a humble manner, and opens the floor for us to voluntary share our experiences. While listening during these "sessions" I have been faced with two challenging thoughts: Why would a person, let alone a student, share such personal stories with a group of people without fearing judgment, and how do the have the confidence to do so?
I've always been a private person. I would never be able to share stories of stereotyping or "personal events" because I was simply told not to. I was told (not saying whom) that you do not allow people to know your weaknesses because that is giving power, or the opportunity, for that individual to "step on" you. Vulnerability is weakness.
Well, this statement has been partially true and partially false. Vulnerability is a weakness when discussing with invulnerable people. For example, if I speak to a person who believes that vulnerability is a weakness then I would be labeled weak and vice versa. Pretty commonsensical right? It's false because I see others relating to each other. The experiences may be different, but the feeling is mutual. So why share these feelings at all?
Honestly, I do not know, but I can appreciate it. Thankfully, my professor provides a safe space to talk about such issues. There is a mutual understanding across all classmates that these stories do not leave this space. There is an exclusivity to what we all hear. What's so wonderful about it is that each story leaves room for personal reflection. I learn more about myself every day, and although I am confronted with the "ugly" sides, I can appreciate that awareness and move forward.
So what if I told you that all vulnerability is strength? Yes, ALL of it. Vulnerability has never been about weakness, but about extreme courage and pushing one to change. The student who shares their story is brave. The person who willingly challenges the norm is strong. This does not mean they do not fear judgment, but that their story has enough power and meaning to overcome that fear. There is insight to their story if one chooses to see it. There is unity in sharing experiences.
You may get hurt a few times because vulnerability requires trust, but you believed in humanity and that is needed (especially nowadays). It's easy to give up on people, but vulnerability encourages others and builds them up. Vulnerability includes learning, and what I love most about it is that it provides freedom.
