I can honestly say I am better prepared to move from active to advocate. as for how long it will take be fully embedded as an advocate it yet to be seen. Stepping up and standing up for others has been a way for me from childhood. If I look back as to why, the answer is simple "I was raised that way!" There were no meanings behind the why, just the knowing that if I didn't step up or stand up, my grandparents and parents would be disappointed. I can say the foundation to become an advocate was part of my upbringing.
I can also say over the years as I learned more about diversity and inclusion; as I learned about allyship, there many times I froze to step up or stand up - I remained silent because I froze in fear of what the repercussions could have been. I am older, hopefully wiser and this course has certainly forced me to reflect on what is, what my practice is and what it could be. I can honestly say, I do look at the news differently, conversations are now opportunities to learn stories and engage in talks about racism. There are a few people who come to mind, that I know my insides will churn, maybe now I am better equipped to engage in healthy discussions.
