“Listen to your own voice, your own soul. Too many people listen to the noise of the world instead of themselves.”
When I was in my final year of my undergraduate program at the University of Hawaii, I sat down with my instructor who gave me my semester review.
It wasn’t good. It was plain awful.
She had just spent weeks observing me working with my clients through a two-way mirror jotting notes and critiquing my barely existent skills. That was her job back then, and it was a process I needed to go through to graduate. I needed to hear her constructive criticism so I could learn to be a better therapist.
Instead…
When she sat me down, she stated that she questioned my ability to do therapy. After she summarized my unsatisfactory marks, she told me to find a different career path because she didn’t think I was a good fit for the job.
She made those remarks at the conclusion of a 15-week semester where I worked with my first two clients ever…
I was just a little inexperienced. Don’t you think?
I still remember that instructor’s name. I remember how I felt sitting in front her and holding back tears because the career I thought I wanted was axed right before me. I left saddened and bitter thinking I wasn’t good enough for something I thought would be my life’s work. My instructor didn’t believe I could do it. And that stuck with me for a long time.
So, I walked out, my head hung low, and I tried different things for a while. I took a scenic route through life, trying out careers like merchandising, non-profit work, public relations jobs, etc, etc all while taking to heart what that instructor told me to do simply because she said so….
But, my desire to help people with their communication skills never left me. That voice told me to keep moving forward which I obviously did. I’m glad I followed my gut instincts and pursued my career in speech and language.
My authentic voice provided me a sense of calm and peace. Now, when I work with my ideal clients, it doesn’t feel like work at all. It’s the best feeling to know that I can nurture positive changes in others. I help children and adults find their own voice, literally.
In the end, all I want to do is help people achieve great speaking skills so they can connect with others the way they need to. Over the years, many clients have sent me cards and gifts with sincere gratitude for the work we’ve done together.
I’m glad I listened to my voice and didn’t let another person’s words discourage me from being where I am today. We all bloom at different times. That instructor couldn’t see my future the way I saw it for myself.
Follow your passions and listen to that voice in your heart. I believe in you.
Believe in yourself. Time on this planet is precious. You can do it.
