Beyond Labels: Discovering Self-Worth

By: Dr. Jaime G. Raygoza

Not many are aware of the intricate details that make up our unique identities. We often find ourselves confined by the labels imposed upon us by society, restricting our true potential and inhibiting the discovery of our self-worth. Life is a constant process of overcoming challenges and embracing the unknown, where resilience becomes the driving force behind our triumphs. Through this blog, I aim to unravel the power of resilience, illustrating how it enables us to rise above adversity and rewrite our narratives.

Not many people are aware of this, but English wasn't my first language. I grew up speaking only Spanish at home. It wasn't until I turned eight years old that I found myself compelled to truly learn English. I was falling behind my peers, and my mother insisted that I make it a priority to master the language so I wouldn't be held back a grade. I can still recall my third-grade teacher expressing concerns to my mother, describing me as "slow" compared to the other children. The notion of being labeled as "slow" stuck with me, and I internally married that label and became the "slow" kid.

After months of dedicated practice with my mother and other family members, I managed to pass the ESL (English as a Second Language) examination and transitioned into "regular" classes with my peers. However, the feeling of not being "normal" still lingered within me.

As I progressed through school, my academic performance suffered. My grades fluctuated from A's to D's, with the occasional F. I felt inadequate, believing that school simply wasn't meant for me. I even found myself in Saturday school a few times due to misbehavior, and once for engaging in the unauthorized sale of Mexican candy to fellow students on campus—though that's a story for another time.

It wasn't until a friend of mine pleaded with me to join band class with her, solely because she wanted a companion, that my life took an unexpected turn for the better. Reluctantly, I acquiesced, and little did I know that this decision would change everything. I chose the clarinet, thinking it would be the easiest instrument to learn—oh, how wrong I was. That seemingly simple plastic stick with its myriad of holes proved to be one of the most challenging things I had ever encountered. For those unfamiliar, the clarinet is a long plastic rod with holes running down its length, featuring a bell-shaped opening at the bottom. At the top is a beak-shaped mouthpiece, to which a thin piece of wood is affixed (don't get me started on the number of times I got splinters on my lips from that thing). Once properly assembled, you blow into it, and the vibrations produced by the wooden reed and the holes covered by your fingers create distinct tones. It's also worth noting that several buttons enable you to change octaves.

Now that you understand the intricacies of the instrument, it's crucial to know that mastering the clarinet proved to be one of the most arduous challenges of my childhood. I was terrible at it initially, but my friend remained persistent, even resorting to fake blackmail to dissuade me from quitting. While I was far from being the best, my band teacher, Miss Musicant, took a keen interest in my progress. She approached my mother and expressed her belief in my potential, something I had never heard from a teacher before. According to her, with dedicated practice and effort, I had the potential to become the best in the class. She was so confident in my abilities that she offered to provide me with private lessons at a discounted rate. Naturally, my self-esteem-starved self leaped at the opportunity to potentially excel in something. So, I took on the extra workload and began private lessons with my middle school band teacher.

Well, Miss Musicant was right. I improved rapidly and soon became one of her top students in band class. To paint a vivid picture, I won first place in three out of four school-wide talent shows and performed the clarinet in front of the entire school. The first time I won, I played Phil Collins' "You'll Be in My Heart." The middle school students went wild, listening to that classic, iconic Tarzan song being flawlessly rendered on the clarinet. They were so enthralled that many began singing along with the lyrics as I played. From that point on, my peers started referring to me as "the clarinet boy."

The second time I won, I performed Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" from the popular Titanic movie. It was during that performance that I truly recognized the extent of my talent. As I played, the audience rose to their feet, applauding, and tears flowed not only from my own eyes but from my peers, teachers, and family members. I was so absorbed in the music that I failed to notice several students taking out their flip phones, and waving them in the air, creating a beautiful, firefly-like illumination throughout the room.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, I became well-known among my peers and teachers. My confidence soared, and teachers began paying more attention to me. Miraculously, my grades transformed into straight A's. This pattern continued throughout high school. I was placed in AP and Honor courses, and I excelled. During my freshman year, out of thousands of applicants, I was selected to play and march in the annual Pasadena Rose Parade on New Year's Day—an achievement that left me overjoyed.

Then came the sophomore year, and with it, the introduction of my new band teacher. This was when I faced a harsh reality check regarding the influence of authority figures and leadership on one's life. The new band director had heard rumors of a child prodigy in the band, and he wasn't having any of it. He sat me down and expressed that while I undeniably possessed extraordinary talent, I needed to learn the lesson that life has certain "rules" to follow, so as not to disrespect my peers. He informed me that I would be playing lower-end pieces, devoid of solos, and I wouldn't be granted any spotlight in the band until my senior year.

According to him, seniority took precedence over talent, and I needed to understand my place. To exacerbate matters, I sought solace from my high school counselor, sharing my frustration with the situation. Instead of offering support, she callously dismissed my concerns, declaring that life was often like this and that I needed to accept reality.

She even went so far as to mention others like me, individuals who believed they possessed immense talent but would amount to nothing. She suggested that I stick to my studies, but based on my "record," I shouldn't be surprised if I didn't get into college and went as far as to say that my future lay in working at McDonald's. At that moment, I was transported back to the conversation about me being "slow." My self-esteem plummeted once again, leading me to quit the band, discontinue my private lessons with my middle school teacher, and attempt to fade into the background for the remainder of high school.

Thankfully, that didn't come to pass. To keep the story short, several mentors and friends invested their time in me, motivating me to strive for better and challenge myself. Thanks to their unwavering support, I persevered and graduated from high school with an impressive 4.25 GPA. Subsequently, I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Sociology from UC Riverside, followed by a Master's in Public Administration from California Baptist University, and finally, a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology from Touro University Worldwide.

So what have I learned from my experiences?

Through my journey, I've discovered that the opinions of others and the setbacks we encounter do not define our worth or potential. The labels and limitations imposed upon us are often rooted in others' limited perspectives and their insecurities. It's crucial to remember that we have the power to transcend these expectations and prove, both to ourselves and others, that we are capable of greatness.

No matter where you come from or what obstacles you face know that your past does not dictate your future. Embrace the challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt as opportunities for growth. Seek out mentors and allies who believe in your potential and support your aspirations. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and motivate you to become the best version of yourself.

Believe in your abilities, even when others doubt you. Trust the journey and the process, and have faith in your resilience and determination. When faced with adversity, recall the times when you defied your limitations, proving yourself wrong. Each setback is an opportunity to rise stronger, more determined, and more resilient than before.

Don't let the fear of failure or the judgment of others hold you back from pursuing your passions and dreams. Take risks, challenge yourself, and embrace the unknown. Remember that success is not always linear and often comes after periods of struggle and self-discovery.

Above all, never underestimate the power of perseverance and self-belief. You can shape your destiny and create a fulfilling and meaningful life. Let go of limiting beliefs and negative narratives that have held you back, and embrace the limitless possibilities that await you.

Few people know the story behind my journey, the struggles I've faced, and the triumphs I've achieved. I stand as living proof that where you start does not determine where you can end up. It is through perseverance, determination, and the support of those who believe in you that you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams.

So, regardless of the path you're on, whether it's pursuing an advanced degree or venturing into a new endeavor, remember that your past does not define you. Embrace the challenges, confront your doubts head-on, and never underestimate the power within you. You possess the strength and resilience to attain greatness, and your journey has only just begun. Believe in yourself, trust the process, and let your potential soar.