Happy November Class of 2015,
So, today I'm being vulnerable. I freely admit I'm not good at this. Both talking about it and living it.
Recently I have been in a position to ask for lots of help. I'm honestly not good at this either. I feel by asking for help it shows weakness. Merriam-Webster defines weak a couple of ways, "'lacking strength" "mentally or intellectually deficient" or my favorite "not able to function properly". So, who really wants to live this definition, right? It's not exactly aspirational.
But, I have discovered through asking for help how much people want to help. And, in asking for help I realized there is much to be gained. It has strengthened relationships I already had. It has provided me opportunities to meet new people. It has caused me to push myself into new experiences. It has caused me to be vulnerable.
And, here is the key. Being vulnerable makes you real. It makes you approachable by others. It allows others to share their experiences, successes, struggles with you. Nobody's perfect so why try to be? We all know it's not achievable.
Here's my challenge this month for you. Ask for help. I'll give an easy example. Many of you are starting classes within your major. Ask your professor for help (and not the day before your exam) if you need it. Professors can be very helpful long after your time at Trinity is over. During my time at Trinity a professor was very helpful in connecting me with an alumna who offered me an internship. It turned out to be a great experience.
Ask for help. Let me know how Dr. Gillette and I can help you too.....
Jennifer Dewar
So, today I'm being vulnerable. I freely admit I'm not good at this. Both talking about it and living it.
Recently I have been in a position to ask for lots of help. I'm honestly not good at this either. I feel by asking for help it shows weakness. Merriam-Webster defines weak a couple of ways, "'lacking strength" "mentally or intellectually deficient" or my favorite "not able to function properly". So, who really wants to live this definition, right? It's not exactly aspirational.
But, I have discovered through asking for help how much people want to help. And, in asking for help I realized there is much to be gained. It has strengthened relationships I already had. It has provided me opportunities to meet new people. It has caused me to push myself into new experiences. It has caused me to be vulnerable.
And, here is the key. Being vulnerable makes you real. It makes you approachable by others. It allows others to share their experiences, successes, struggles with you. Nobody's perfect so why try to be? We all know it's not achievable.
Here's my challenge this month for you. Ask for help. I'll give an easy example. Many of you are starting classes within your major. Ask your professor for help (and not the day before your exam) if you need it. Professors can be very helpful long after your time at Trinity is over. During my time at Trinity a professor was very helpful in connecting me with an alumna who offered me an internship. It turned out to be a great experience.
Ask for help. Let me know how Dr. Gillette and I can help you too.....
Jennifer Dewar
Alumni Sponsor
