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“….You are a Voice in this world”

  • Writer: Christen Stott
    Christen Stott
  • May 19, 2022
  • 6 min read

One of my all-time favorite episodes of of a sitcome comes from A Different World, Season 4 episode 23. The reason it ranks high as a favorite TV moment isnt even because of the message of the episode which was a PSA about Whitley contemplating her first time with Dwayne Wayne and Josie (played by Tisha Campbell) having HIV and coming forward and telling her peers about it. Both topics in itself are heavy in itself. However that wasn't the highlight of the episode for me.




It was the words that Dr. Jordan (played by Whoopi Goldberg) gave to her public speaking class, “when you walk up here you need to approach the podium in this fashion, 'I AM A VOICE IN THIS WORLD AND DAMNIT, I DESERVE TO BE HEARD'


(Now that I have set the tone for what I extracted as the power of the episode, it's most certainly not to undercut the very well delivered message regarding the HIV crisis attacking Black America and the notion of a college-aged woman anticipating the loss of her virginity and how to go about doing so in a day and age when you have to now consider this epidemic. All were very well wrtten into the episode and I like to think the writers did an amazing job of giving a voice to those topics. Hell we need those types of after school specials now to hammer in on the things that make you think twice, get the message and still hold entertainment value. Ok, back to the story)



To this day, my mind replays the words “you are a voice in this world”


(If you haven’t seen it, press play ▶️ and watch this clip below⬇️)



if one was seeking to understand me or what ONE of my core values are, its freedom of expression and being heard. I guess this resonates so loudly because I fully believe in the art of communicating and being able to say what you need to say and delivery is key. The better the delivery the more impactful. When Whoppi said those words, even as kid, I knew I had a voice and that I wanted to be heard, then, and one day. Now what I was gone say, chile, who knows. LOL but I do know I like to command the attention of others and I have good delivery of words.



im going to say it again, freedom of expression and being heard!!!!!

how many of us actually sit and resonant with the core values you have, how they got to be so important to you and ultimately how that shows up in your life.




as a younger person, I didn’t always feel HEARD. older people tend to not embrace you for being outspoken or energetic and the ability to be you. there were times it was more of less like being seen and not heard. And I didn’t buy that shit for one minute cause even as a kid I was like that’s dumb i wanna be seen and heard 😭😭😭 (oh and that still holds true to this day LOL. Oh you gone see me and hear me...Period)





but I overall mean having the ability to be able to say hey, I have thoughts about shit too and I want the value of my input expressed. I believe My creative outlet became writing because I would journal for hours about my day and the silly things that mattered to me. i would even rate my day like ummmm today was a 5 and then give my tea of the day about why bc there was some melodramatic moment in my little life that was causing the world to end. 😭😭😭 due to privacy purposes and nda's and what not, Sis is not at liberty to publish the details of tmy teenage journals as some of my readers may be involved LMAOOOOO. I aint got time for people's significant others to contact me from something from damn 1995. LOL.





i was also a very curious individual and thankfully I was able to live in a time where hey, they say don’t do that and don’t give the why, Christen did it anyway. Lol. ISuch a bratty teen & pre-teen. Why not? Lol. What's the point in living if you don't challenge the system a little? See what I mean, I gotta just do most chile.


i digress because there are wayyyyyy more stories and tales to be told but we shall save that for another day.


but I specifically remember watching this episode of A Different World, because how could you grow up in that era and not know the latest on Whitley ‘nem. hearing a black woman say to young black people,  “you are a voice“ took my mind to another world. It’s like yess. This this is what I believe in my heart. I am a voice I have a voice and I want to be heard! 🗣


Ive always had a gift of gab, and to be able to deliver speeches, welcomes, was kinda what I did in my youth. I kinda shyed away from that because yes it came naturally but I was nervous to be able to get up and constantly do it. I just did it by default because I was forced or called upon to do stuff but it wasn’t nurtured to be brought forth if that makes sense.

once i discovered what my voice was I never held my tongue again. I always find it funny when people presume I’m quiet. i literally laugh Out loud when people say that. I’m like you have no idea. I just haven’t expressed the shit Im thinking bc I’m probably busy observing your ass. 😭


finding your voice and being a voice requires channeling the inner you and the point(s) you wish to convey. Having an opinion is one thing and then choosing to use your voice to articulate meaningful and powerful messages is another. Having and being a voice to me even means giving a voice to those that cannot advocate or self-express. i feel that no one should feel that they can’t be themselves because others don’t understand or know how to accept who they are. you should just be free to be the best version of you every day, all day.


people suffer so much because they feel they cannot talk to anyon. because although people hear you, they don’t really listen or listen to understand.


and overall I write this not just to tell an antidotal story, it’s to convey that you, yes you, are a voice in this world. Remember to show up as such. Stop going through life as if you are not a present force, an energy, a voice that DAMNIT deserves to be heard.

yes we live in a society now where we need to be seen (thank you social media) but even in being seen what are you showcasing. Are you fully showing up as the person you know that you are or are you pump faking and doing it for the gram.

having and being a voice in this world means commanding the energy in the room and holding you damn own. I’m not just calling myself confidently Christen for my damn health. I have learned the ability to carry myself in a manner that exudes true confidence, and respect. People want to hear what I have to say because I value my words, they have meaning, and I carry myself in a way they can rock with.

realizing what Bears meaning in life is one of the best things you can experience. I’m so glad to have heard the words telling me that I have a voice and that I am a voice in this world.


i don’t know that we are taught how to be present and full or fulfilled in life. Usually your journey and who you encounter sorta help mold that part of you. My mission in life as part of being a confidence coach, mentor etc is to help people find, use and articulate their voice. And when you show up, SHOW UP.


you Are a voice in this world……and you deserve to be heard. Approach that podium baby and let them hear You. ☺️

until next time……..xoxoxo💋


Confidently Chris10



SN: and most importantly, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. But also below find some resources that may be able to assist you. You’re not alone help is available. ⬇️⬇️⬇️





 
 
 

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