The Importance of Your Hype People...

My family sporting their new favorite snack socks!

The last few months have been ... busy, overwhelming, emotional... all leading up to some big changes. The key for me to move forward has been my hype people. Somehow there are all these amazing diverse humans out there who root for me despite my shortcomings and reservations. I realized the feelings I had were common when I was in DC with the other Fulbright recipients and several times the presenters told us all to quit thinking we aren't smart enough, good enough, etc.  That is a tall order! The humans who we meet and encourage us along the way are the ones who I think see our hidden potential. Be it a brief meeting or a lifetime relationship. I gain so much personally from being the hype person for my students, colleagues, friends and family. In a recent group chat I was called out for this and it made my heart happy. Which got me thinking I need to recognize some of my hype people. This list is certainly not all inclusive.  

Tom and Judy who encouraged me to submit a Fulbright proposal over 5 years ago and kept bringing it up when I saw them. Those who wrote recommendations for me (Pam, John & Bill). Those who I see on my way into work everyday and they countdown with me (shoutout to the security staff at HC (especially Vera!) who asked me every day and shared in my excitement. Those who took time to sit with me and stopped me in the hallway to discuss this adventure (Dr. Kristen, Allie, Lisa, Liz, Jen). The people who respond to my random inquiries (Bev and Lori). The ones who reach out to a stranger through a friend and become encouragers (thank you Lisa BW, and Jack). Those who have been on this journey with me (my whole big family!), encouraged me to submit a proposal, edited, revised and continue to deal with my awful grammar (Ashley, Madison, Dick, Jill, Regina… ooph, sorry I skipped so many English classes). Those who screamed and hugged and were so proud of this accomplishment I didn’t know how to respond (Nelly, April M., Tatiana and April H.).  Those who reach out occasionally just to let me know they are thinking of me and are excited for me (Barb, Marge, Earl and others). The ones who bought me heated vests, rechargeable hand warmers, and gift cards for a coffee shop down the street from my new international home. My newest hype squad, Teresa, Jill B., and Ashley P. who are embarking on this new adventure as well. We’ve already had so many anxious calls, nervous texts and more. I’m grateful we are sharing this growth adventure. All of these individuals and so many more have been essential for me as I am taking leaps and propelling myself forward.

I am my own worst hype person. I always feel like I don't do enough for others, that my efforts are inadequate to address the big issues and that I am not putting enough into the greater good. I know one of my strengths is connecting with others. I want to hear their story and figure out what is important to them. I want to see how they developed their own values and beliefs. My strength is making connections and that in turn helps me be a great teacher and mentor. But... I always internalize the feelings of being an imposter. I know a little about a lot of things, but am I an expert on anything? I end up always feeling like I am never good enough and have never done enough. I think Adam Grant would point to this as a mindset shift I need to make and a sign of Hidden Potential (read his book of the same title). I’m looking forward to making that shift and adding some new resources to the bank for the greater good or society. Thank you to everyone who has been excited for and with me along this journey we are just getting started!

The author of this website/blog/etc. is a participant of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program (Fulbright DA), a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. The views and information presented are the participant's own and do not represent the U.S.