I used to hate the idea of self-reliance. The only connection I could make with the popular ideology was selfishness. We live in a nation that champions inner-strength and independence, and while the latter schools of thoughts are useful for self-promotion for many, what do they actually do for minority populations? For those who don’t have much to rely on?
Often, the under-privileged and the under-served are pushed to the shadows and left to be forgotten. As under-served and under-represented populations we are often brainwashed with the idea that we NEED others in order to succeed in life. This is not true. While it is essential to have a stable support system throughout critical moments in our lives, such as applying to college, one must accept control of one’s own fate.
Statistics may say you’re less likely to attend college because of your “race”, “income”, “gender”, etc. But notice that the latter categories are all social constructs, concepts conceived in the mind. You, human, are capable of anything. You can’t wait for Superman to come and save you; you have to become your own super-hero.
When applying to colleges, avoid playing the minority card. Don’t feel entitled to nice things simply because you’re disadvantaged in some way or another. Our society may make you feel “disadvantaged” but it’s up to you to prove that you’re not.
Break down the barriers, shatter the glass, and prove that you’re just as good if not better than the majority. Show them, that despite the disadvantages placed upon you by an unfair, unequal society, you were just as capable as the rest. Show them how you succeeded despite the stigmas and the stereotypes.
We live in a nation that champions inner-strength and independence, schools of thoughts that I once assumed were only beneficial to a patriarchic, white, wealthy few; but it’s the essence of the idea and how we use it that really matters.
Good luck Class of 2012! And the rest of you younglings…
You can do it.
With hopes & dreams intact,
-Alex