Prompt 1: What Inspiration Means to You

Complete this sentence: “Inspiration is…”

…. moving others to action through one’s own example. Inspiration requires action, authenticity and enthusiasm. This often results in others being moved to action.

Describe one specific moment when you inspired, supported, or uplifted another person. Include where you were, who was involved, and what happened.

Inspiring others is a daily occurrence for me. One of my most recent moments of inspiration came while giving a swim lesson to a little girl named Eva. After weeks of working together, she barely got in the water. I chose to inspire her by swimming myself. I modeled the skills for her with an enthusiastic attitude to show how fun it could be. I continuously encouraged her and gradually built her confidence. I told her, if I can do this, so can you.” Just the other day, her father wrote a note saying, “Taryn helped my daughter overcome her fear of swimming and she can now swim in deep water confidently.” I believe inspiration helped her overcome her fear, not just swimming lessons.

What did you specifically do or say in that moment, and why did you choose that approach?

My interaction with Eva, was more about my actions than my words. She needed to see what was possible and that I wasn’t asking her to do anything I wasn’t willing to do myself. More importantly, knowing that I was going to be right by her side inspired her to at least try. I chose to lead by example. Showing Eva what was possible was my way of inspiring and motivating her. I chose this method, because I determined that seeing me do what I was asking of her was more powerful than hearing me explain how to do it.

What was the outcome and what did it teach you?

As mentioned, the outcome is that Eva is now swimming on her own. This reaffirms that actions are often more meaningful and moving than words. Inspiring others starts with one’s own willingness to be vulnerable and committed to the process. This process taught me patience and that inspiring those around me doesn’t have to be intentional, it simply requires intentionality.

Name one specific audience you want to serve in your healthcare career, one method you would use to uplift them, and one way you would know your efforts are making a difference.

I plan to focus my therapeutic services on supporting refugees and immigrants who have experienced varying forms of trauma. I’ll study abroad in Germany and intern at a program that works directly with African refugees. I believe I’ll connect with this population from a cultural and diasporan perspective. This rapport will allow me to provide those I work with, with mental and emotional therapy but also needed services. In populations that have experienced trauma, sometimes a simple smile or chuckle is proof that one’s efforts are making a difference. I’ll bring a unique sensitivity to these populations that many can’t.

Prompt 2: Your Intentional Action

Describe one specific action you are currently taking to inspire or uplift people around you.

I am currently writing poetry that addresses embracing one’s culture, ethnicity and gender. One of my platforms for connecting with other young women of color is through the poetry club at my school, of which I’m the President. I believe words allow us to connect on a subconscious level. Connection is the first step toward understanding and a critical part of healing.

How often do you do this? How long have you been doing it?

I write at least once a week, but am constantly assessing how to address challenges in a proactive way. I’ve been developing this skill for 3 years.

Describe one small moment, interaction, or detail from doing this action that has stayed with you. What makes it memorable?

I wrote a poem about the “Door of No Return” in Ghana, Africa. It’s where many Africans in the Americas left the continent. My poem was featured at my school and offered me an opportunity to educate fellow classmates about the transatlantic slave trade. Upon reading my poem, a classmate noted that my piece makes the point that the survivors of the slave trade are the strongest of the strong. Through adversity my ancestors persevered, so I’m already genetically predisposed for success. Seeing my classmates realize and accept this reality and find inspiration through my words was gratifying.

What have you seen change as a direct result of what you are doing?

I’ve seen people open up and start conversations because of my poetry. Sharing their own work makes them feel seen. After hearing one of my poems, a girl once told me that my courage to write and share in such a vulnerable way, inspired her to share some of the most vulnerable parts of her own life. I believe suppressing one’s feelings and energy manifests itself in unhealthy ways. Encouraging people to find catharsis through poetry or otherwise is my way of helping to bring about a bit of peace during these times of turmoil.

Prompt 3: Who You Are When No One Is Watching

Describe one meaningful thing you do regularly that most people around you never see or recognize. Be specific about what it is, who is involved, how often you do it, and how long you have been doing it.

During my freshman year, I started telling my friends that I’m proud of them. My goal was to share at least once every couple of weeks. My friend Lauren really needed it! She had several mental health struggles due to the rigor of our school. Through her difficulties and during her transition to a new school, I was intentional about supporting her with words and actions. I believe my communication helped her feel less alone. After being the new kid at school freshman year, I needed to hear that someone was proud of me. I figured others needed similar reassurance.

Why do you keep doing this, even without recognition or reward? What drives you to show up for it consistently?

Saying I’m proud of you is a small gesture that can have a massive impact. As a friend, I want the best for those around me. An encouraging word here or there that inspires them to do more and strive to be better comes with the territory. My parents often say, I have high emotional intelligence. While I understand the concept, I’m just being me. My reward has been solid and lasting friendships. More importantly, seeing someone smile or perk up just because they feel seen and appreciated is payment in and of itself.

Based on what you just described, what has doing this taught you about the healthcare professional you want to become?  Point to one specific moment or realization that brought that lesson into focus.

I have the gift of gab, which creates a space for people to be comfortable sharing with me. Being a safe space to explore challenges while feeling seen, heard and appreciated is why I want to be a mental/emotional health therapist. As one of the few African American students in my school, I have witnessed my counterparts having access to resources to aid in their mental health. Their flaws are often excused. I want people who look like me to enjoy that sort of privilege, so I plan to be the resource to aid in their healing.