Douglass and Resilience-Wendbenedo

Part A:
“I was now about twelve years old, and the thought of being a slave for life began to bear heavily upon my heart. Just about this time, I got hold of a book entitled “The Columbian Orator.” Every opportunity I got, I used to read this book. Among much of other interesting matter, I found in it a dialogue between a master and his slave. The slave was represented as having run away from his master three times. The dialogue represented the conversation which took place between them, when the slave was retaken the third time.” (Second paragraph, page 2)

In this passage, Douglass describes a turning point in his life, when he first begins to contemplate the possibility of being a slave for life. He describes how he discovered a book called “The Columbian Orator” that includes a dialogue between a master and a slave. This passage highlights the power of education and knowledge in shaping Douglass’s thoughts and attitudes. The dialogue between the master and slave represents a powerful moment of resistance and empowerment for Douglass, as he begins to question the legitimacy of slavery and imagine a life beyond the constraints of slavery.

Part B:
One specific hardship that I have faced during my own educational journey is self-doubt and impostor syndrome. Despite my best efforts and academic achievements, I have often struggled with feelings of insufficiency and insecurity, leading to a sense of disconnection from my peers and professors. However, I have developed a coping strategy to increase my resilience in the face of these challenges.

I have learned that surrounding myself with a supportive community of peers and mentors, who believe in my abilities and offer encouragement and guidance, is crucial in overcoming self-doubt and impostor syndrome. Practicing this strategy has taught me the importance of finding out and accepting support from others, as well as the power of community and connection in building resilience. I have also learned that it is okay to be vulnerable and to share my struggles with others, which has helped me to build stronger relationships and feel more connected to those around me. This has helped me to approach my education with greater confidence and resilience, even in the face of challenging experiences.