500: Self Reflection With Deborah Kang

Deborah Kang is currently serving as a Career Counselor at the University of San Francisco. She was born and raised in Southern California, but when her family moved to Georgia, she followed along and finished her degree in Public Policy at Georgia State University. It was there that Deborah was pulled into the world of student affairs and career development. She obtained a graduate degree in college student affairs administration, and moved with her partner and dog to the Bay Area. With her experiences as a first-generation student and daughter of immigrants, Deborah has connected with students and peers who advocate for all marginalized communities. She has developed and participated in several workshops concerning diversity, and claims that her life’s mission is to redefine professionalism in a more inclusive way. When she’s not working, you can catch her walking her dog with her partner, dancing, practicing yoga or sewing.

Deborah shares how she was able to reflect on what she has accomplished to gain the confidence that she has today. She also shares tips that you can use on your own journey to self confidence.

Also, this is the last episode for Season 3 and the new season will be back on September 3, 2018. I really appreciate each and everyone of you for tuning into the podcast. See you in September! In the meantime, feel free to listen to past episodes.

Bio

Deborah Kang is a career counselor.

Cultural Background

Deborah is of Korean American descent.

Favorite Self Confidence Quote

You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching.

Definition of Self Confidence

Self-confidence is a form of self-love. Love for yourself gives you courage to pursue challenges and embracing discomfort, because you believe in your abilities, personality or character. Once you have self-confidence, the opinions of others carry less weight and you care more about doing right by you, the authentic you.

Her Life Before the Discovery of Self Confidence

Deborah was always comparing herself to others and with the internet, it felt like the whole world is better, bigger, stronger, smarter which she thought wasn’t. She used to obsess, then avoid, lists like 30 under 30. It felt more like pressure than motivation. She spent way too much energy stuck in the comparison game, even when she was doing amazing things, like getting a college degree, while working 40 to 65 hours a week, or moving across the country, or applying to graduate school, and dating and making friends from really diverse backgrounds. Lack of confidence took up time and energy that she could have spent on learning more about herself or serving others.

The “AHA” Moment

Deborah had read a lot of articles about people missing out on experiences because they didn’t feel confident about their bodies, or job status, or abilities, and then it hit her: “life is too short and too beautiful for that!

She realized we all bring such unique experiences, perspectives, and beauty into this world, and it sucks that we’re missing out on moments of fun or opportunities to shine.” She reflected on all the great things she accomplished and obstacles she overcame, especially in college, and she didn’t want to miss out on job opportunities or other amazing experiences because she was nervous or scared.