Women in the lower class, who believe in hard work, will always feel weary about entering the corporate world.
If you slightly disagree, keep reading.
If you highly agree, keep reading.
In a world filled with so many possibilities, life can still be unfair and biased. We live in a world where injustices exist every day; where housing segregation, mass incarceration, wealth gaps, failed education systems are considered "normal". My parents have sheltered me, however, having to endure the pain of seeing young black Americans killed, profiled and humiliated, made me more decisive of the choices I make. As an African American, successfully transitioning from an undergraduate to a working professional, I am pessimistic of my future. However, there are factors that make me feel uncomfortable when it comes to my race and the corporate world.
The factors of social class and sexism.
Being an African American from a lower-upper middle class family, I have come to understand how social class can affect my entire life. Social class can become a divider of humanity. At any given time, I can be treated differently and/or have different life experiences based on my class. Thus, my attitudes and outlooks on life are influenced by my social class. In the corporate world, I want to gain upward mobility. When I apply for jobs, I try to keep an open mind while considering that the opportunities I am afforded may or may not be influenced by the social class I was born it.
Overall, I want to be satisfied with my job in whatever field I am working in, but sexism also exists. The job market can be competitive and aggressive, and as women, we are sometimes less likely to be in positions of authority and to be given tasks that influence earnings. This does not discourage me. I want to be a high performer and have unlimited personal interactions with my coworkers/ bosses, to portray an image of COURAGE, POWER, HOPE, COMPASSION and STRENGTH.
I want to be in a workplace where I can earn promotions, and carefully execute and plan to open up my own non-profit organization. I have a positive view of myself and confidence in my strengths and abilities. I recognize my capabilities, and I am able to overcome adversities regardless of how much stress and sadness my social class and gender causes me. I am willing and open to new ideas, and to let good opportunities come my way.
If you are an undergraduate seeking employment, I encourage you to stay focused, and to not let the pressure of the factors I mentioned above influence your performance. Ultimately, I want you to be able to show others that race, class and gender does not determine YOUR capabilities. Undeniably, there are struggles, but don't be ashamed of who you are; embrace your indifferences, and find your OWN voice and the courage to use it.
You are special. You are important. You are unstoppable. You can do anything you believe you can! ACHIEVE THE UNTHINKABLE.
