The Power of Underestimation

I believe in the power of underestimation.

As a young, African American woman from the South, I’m not expected to go far in life. Just a few weeks ago, while I was attending a predominantly white law camp in Washington, D.C., only a fraction of my peers believed that I would succeed in my efforts to win mock trial. People assumed that I was dumb because of my Southern accent, as subtle as it may be. In fact, a few individuals wondered how I was smart enough to get into the program without the help of Affirmative Action, a practice with which I strongly disagree.

I believe in proving people wrong. I am capable of doing anything someone else can, if I put my mind to it. Yes, I’m black. Yes, I’m a girl. Yes, I live in the Deep South. But, I go to one of the top magnet schools in the state, taking nothing but AP and advanced honors classes, all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. If that isn’t beating a stereotype, I don’t know what is.

I believe that stereotypes can make or break a person, and I’m choosing to let mine make me. No one- and I mean, no one- holds the keys to my future except for me. My strength comes from trying to break through the barriers society has placed on me. My drive stems from the desire to prove all of my naysayers wrong. Their underestimation motivates me to be the best and the brightest, even if I’m the blackest.

Don’t let stereotypes from ignorant people hinder you, because you, and you alone, decide what you can achieve. Don't be offended when people underestimate you. Instead, use it as a tool that catapults you into the next level of success. Let those snap judgements serve as a constant fuel that pushes you to work harder. Remember that mock trial I was talking about? Yeah, I won. Southern accent and all.