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Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day, some of our board members share advice to their younger selves. What advice would you give to your younger self? #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2019 #DeafWomenHistoryMonth


VIDEO DESC: The NAD logo is on the bottom right of the video. Jenny in a black and white overlay. She appears to be settling in the video as a bright blue banner unrolls itself with black text “Dear Younger Self...” in the center of the video. The banner stays centered as Holly appears in black and white overlay. Amy, also in black and white overlay, cuts in while the banner stays centered. Michelle appears in black and white overlay and the banner stays centered. The banner fades as Melissa is seated, the video is in color, in front of a striped background.


MELISSA: If I were able to meet my 25-year-old self, I'd share three pieces of advice. The first is to sleep eight hours every day! The second is to exercise when you can. The third is to challenge yourself. When working or volunteering, it’s easy to become comfortable in your routine. Get out of your comfort zone. Seek new ideas and new challenges and you'll learn more about yourself!

Jenny is seated in front of a solid background.

JENNY: Are you worried and stressed out? Don’t be worried because it will all work out, you will get what you want, you will get what you’ve been hoping for and you will get what you've been chasing after. Stay positive.

Michelle is standing.

MICHELLE: If I could meet myself as a little girl now, I'd tell this little girl, people have told me things and I accepted what they say. You don’t have to accept what people tell you, you can ask “why?”, “can you explain more?” “can I challenge your comment and discuss it more?” Because -- yes, you can. As a woman, I thought that I had to stay silent, learn and maybe challenge a comment eventually. You don’t have to do this. You can ask “why?”, ask “what for?”, ask to discuss if something doesn’t make sense. You can do this.

Holly is seated in front of a solid background.

HOLLY: Growing up, I was more sensitive and immature. I didn’t really understand what to challenge with the people out there until I was old enough to see things that are. You have to pick your own battles.When you do, you will have more energy for specific situations. I learned that the hard way, I changed for the better and picked specific battles.

Amy is seated in front of a solid wall.

AMY: To my younger 15-year-old self, don’t be scared. I know you might feel oppressed, pressured, and overwhelmed with the uncertainty of what the world will throw at you. Take advantage of that opportunity, take that chance, and take risks. Because with that, your future will continue to change. Don’t be scared or nervous, speak up -- for yourself and for others. Sometimes one voice can be strong enough to influence others.

Video cuts to grey background with the NAD logo quickly changing in different bright colors from teal to white to black to hot pink to green to orange to teal to yellow to purple to finally the official NAD logo with copyright text underneath “The National Association of the Deaf (c) 2019 All Rights Reserved”.