Woman Up! Graduation Speech
Nadia’s Outline:
Intro to how tough it is being a colored woman in society
How this study was created to inform and communicate with other black woman
How it affected me working personally with Dr. Haniff and Harleen over the summer
How I gained confidence and felt significance
How I realized other women's perspectives (Taylor and Katie)
Being able to pass on my knowledge to other girls
The feeling of being able to open up other girls’ minds with this process ‘
The overall improvement I’ve seen in the girls I worked with
How thankful to have such an amazing opportunity
"I myself was also offered the opportunity to work with Dr. Haniff over the summer for this program. I was curious to find out what kind of work we would be doing together, as the description in my acceptance letter really sounded like my cup of tea. I felt as though working with a professor at my all time dream school would be an amazing opportunity and I thought, why not? I came on the first day anxious of course but was only to be greeted with a warm welcoming by my wonderful peers Taylor and Katie, as well as Dr. Haniff and Ms. Harleen Kaur. We talked about social issues of being a black women in America, and the different factors that played into these issues. We also learned about ourselves and how outside factors indirectly played a role in our growth; such as assumed gender roles and pop culture. Not only did we identify these hidden issues, but we made ways to combat them and rise above them, learning to inform others on these standpoints through writing. From that day forward I felt my perspective changing with every single session we had together. Not only was I tapping into my own brain, and actually formulating my own perspective and articulating my experiences as being a black woman in this country and other black women close to me, but I was also seeing a more three dimensional perspective of the world. By listening to Taylor and Katie talk about their experiences, they helped me realize how much bigger the world is and how individualized black women are not only in our weaknesses but also our strengths. Also, a fundamental part of my development was Dr. Haniff challenging me to think outside the box and to break down ideas that I have never even thought could be broken down. She helped me see the world in color instead of in black and white. Then when the summer session ended and fall was approaching, we expanded our horizons. Dr. Haniff had been training us to take the facilitator role in this project, along with her university students. I was filled with gratitude to know that she trusted the three of us with her newborn study, and to take a leadership role with the new set of girls. When this new session started I was overjoyed to be spreading what I learned with Dr. Haniff, with this group of women. These women have shown great success and development in thinking about social issues and not just dwelling upon them, but articulating them and creating solutions to surpass them. Everyday I learn something new from all the girls I work with and the conversations we have never fail to amaze me. I feel much pleasure standing in front of all of you today and sharing my experiences with such a wonderful program."
