In this episode, we talk about our definition of ‘talented’ and how our educational upbringing can either help us excel or shrink when it comes to working on our natural abilities alongside all other skills. 

Christie says, "I wish I was championed for the natural talents that I did have, and empowered to work hard at the things that didn't come as naturally. Instead, I was shamed for the things I wasn’t naturally good at, because I wasn’t good at the same things that ‘everyone else’ in my class or group was."

Just because you’re not talented at the same thing as everyone else in your classroom, doesn’t mean you’re not talented. If we were to be celebrated for the things we are good at and inspired to invest in the things we aren't as naturally good at, imagine where that could take us. Imagine the type of mindset we could have, the things we could do, and the person we could be. We’re not naturally gifted at everything. I was never taught that it could be safe to not be good at something. 'Not good' always equalled rejection of some form. But we are all good at many (different) things, and we need to make every natural skill or ability of equal importance. Every skill and talent you have is of equal importance to the talent and skills of another. They are of equal value, and you are of equal value.

Educators: Please understand the responsibility that comes with leading a room. People are paying you to receive an education. They are investing in you, and because of the subconscious belief that comes from the separation of 'teacher vs student' mentality, they are all by default already assuming that everything you say is 'correct'. Challenge their minds yes, but encourage them to think for themselves. When you speak, they are listening. You are holding people’s minds in the palm of your hands, and people’s minds dictate everything. Do not fuck with people’s minds… please.

Moral: Every type of talent is of equal value. My god are you fucking talented. It’s time you own that.