It's Hard To Be What You Can't See | Phyllis MacGilvray | TEDxLady Street ED

TL;DR

The speaker shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a physician, emphasizing the importance of mentorship.

Transcript

This is from Marian Edelman who is actually from Bennettville, South Carolina. She started the Children's Defense Fund and she said, "It's hard to be what you can't see." It's hard to be what you can't see. And Billy Jean King also said, "If you can see it, you can be it." And I want to ask you a question. What if you can't see it? What if you are ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 The impact of socio-economic status on educational opportunities can significantly shape a child's aspirations and pathways.
• 🖤 Mentorship is vital in helping individuals envision and achieve their goals, particularly in fields where they may lack representation.
• ↩️ Resilience is essential for overcoming setbacks; determination can turn rejections into opportunities for growth and learning.
• ✊ The speaker’s journey exemplifies the power of community and support networks in driving personal and professional success.
• 🧑‍🎓 Being a first-generation college student comes with unique challenges but also an opportunity to inspire future generations.
• 🆘 Academic achievement can be improved with dedication and a willingness to seek help, regardless of initial failures.
• 👪 The balance of family and career is challenging yet rewarding; it showcases the importance of prioritization and support systems.

Questions & Answers

Q: What role did mentorship play in the speaker's journey?

Mentorship was crucial in the speaker's development, providing guidance and encouragement to pursue her dreams. Key figures, such as her grandfather, teachers, and a family doctor, helped her envision a future that once felt unattainable. Their support cultivated her interests in math and science, ultimately guiding her toward a medical career.

Q: How did the speaker overcome obstacles during her education?

The speaker faced significant challenges, including being a first-generation college student and initially being rejected from medical school. By focusing on her goals, seeking out mentors, and eventually moving to Charleston to strengthen her application, she demonstrated resilience and determination. Her proactive efforts ultimately led to her acceptance into medical school and success in her career.

Q: What impact did her family background have on her ambitions?

Growing up in a low-income household with limited resources and aspirations shaped the speaker's determination to succeed. The absence of visible role models initially held her back, but her experiences motivated her to be a guiding light for others, demonstrating how one can rise above difficult circumstances through education and mentorship.

Q: Can you explain the significance of the phrase "It's hard to be what you can't see"?

This phrase encapsulates the challenges faced by individuals who lack visible role models in their aspirations. It highlights the importance of representation and mentorship in fostering dreams and ambitions, as seeing someone succeed can inspire others to believe in their own potential and pursue their goals.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker reflects on her humble beginnings in South Carolina, highlighting the challenges of being a first-generation college student and the absence of visible role models in her life.

• She credits numerous mentors throughout her education, particularly in math and science, who encouraged her ambition and helped her envision a future in medicine.

• Despite setbacks in her academic journey, including initial rejection from medical school, the speaker's determination to succeed led her to eventually achieve her dream of becoming a physician and educator.