“For a long time, I have felt there is an internal battle within me: an ambitious young woman who searches for depth in life, versus a thrill-seeking adventurer who enjoys letting loose in the moment. I am deep and grounded, as I live for conversations where hearts open up and walls are let down. But I also love to be in party scenes, where there is no care in the world except the feeling of the music and the beat. I enjoy posting videos of my study abroad experiences to expose my friends and followers to the wonders of a culture different than their own, but I also enjoy posting photos of myself in dresses to reaffirm that I look good, that I am seen and I am paid attention to. I am learning that it is OKAY for me to be both. I am learning to embrace the whole me, that I am not a dichotomy, that the wild side to me is not one I need to be ashamed of or hide in the dark. I do not need to suppress anything inside, and neither does anyone else. I am learning to be confident and love all of me.”
Samara Schuman, Student at UO
Make Space for Confidence with LifeSpace
Share your journey and why this is important to you
As a young woman with ambitious career goals, it’s easy to feel like I am constantly judged. I play to the crowd I am with, amping up characteristics I believe others deem attractive while hiding qualities that they may find not fitting. But it is time to no longer look at myself through others’ eyes. It is time to embrace all sides of myself; it is time to be comfortable in my own skin. It is time to exude confidence and encourage others to do the same.
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How would you like to inspire others?
I would like to inspire others to be confident in their own journey, to trust their gut and to chase after their dreams. I try to do so through my Instagram. Online, I encourage honesty, kindness, and appreciation through posts and stories. Through LifeSpace, I hope to begin to encourage confidence in myself and others as well.
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