Week 8 Journal PSYC 1300-004

Standing up for yourself in academics is similar to standing up for yourself in a workplace environment. If you've never had a job, perhaps you can compare it to standing up for yourself in a large group of people whom you don't know very well.

Standing up for yourself can be pretty terrifying, especially if you are not the confrontational type. HOWEVER, this is my plea to you: learn how to speak up and say how you feel. Here and now is the time to do so because once you get into the "real world" this particular skill can be invaluable.

It took me a few years to realize how important it was to ask questions and demand answers, to not just slink back into the corner and accept what I got. People value my opinion and look to me for answers because they know that I am straight forward and honest.

When I get an exam back and I see a question that I was marked incorrect on but feel as though I should have been right, I will talk to the professor and explain why I answered that way. I have found that most times I will be given partial credit because I was able to say, "Hey look, I was marked incorrect but can I explain why I answered like this?"

I have had the same thing occur with papers, presentations, group projects, and even in my job. Never think that your question is stupid because it's NOT. The only stupid question is the one that you didn't give a chance to be answered.

If you have received a lower grade than you thought was fair, you should always talk to your professor, but remember to keep a level head and hold back your emotions. The same rules apply in the workplace. I had a coworker once tell me, "When you're here working, you are business, you are the face of this office. If you need to, go out to your car and let it all out, scream and cry. But never allow yourself to show emotion in front of others at work because they feed on it, like a cancer." She was absolutely right.


Even though you may be upset and frustrated, never let that emotion rule you, especially if you are meeting with a professor or a boss. Personally, I find that if I am having to make a point and if it is a touchy subject, one that is sure to make me emotional, I will go into the situation with an actual list of bullet pointed reasons behind why I am there in the first place.

You really only get one life and one chance to make it count. Don't ever discount yourself, your ideas, beliefs, hopes, wants, dreams, or work. If you feel as though you aren't being given a fair shot, SAY SO, no one else is going to stand up for you in the real world.

-Kelly