To All Of My Underdogs: We Have To Speak Up For Each Other

Watching Cinderella the other day had me thinking about underdogs and why it takes them so long to be seen and heard. It’s like no one gives them credit until they are finally in the spotlight, where nobody imagined they would ever get to. I have always been an advocate for my underdog family because I know how it feels.

People see your differences and lowkey admires them because they know you have the ability to win. In the meantime, they make you feel inadequate and automatically overlook you because they don’t want you to outshine them in any way, or your status, popularity, and personality doesn’t match their approval.

I have watched many people compete with one another instead of giving kudos to someone when it is their time to shine. People will single you out and not give you credit because they feel like you’re not like the rest of the pack. You can have outside-of-the-box ideas that you want to pursue, but people will shake their heads and think you’re crazy. They laugh at your quirks, differences, and creativity because you have the audacity to be different. Sometimes people copy your visions while discrediting your work.

I know how it feels to be singled out or pushed aside because of being different from societal norms. It is frustrating because it seems like your hard work, dedication, and loyalty always go unnoticed. Sometimes it takes someone else acknowledging you for others to recognize and respect you finally.

At a company I worked for years ago, they were looking for a role and sought outside sources but ended up having a hard time finding a candidate with the qualifications. I started to wonder why they didn’t consider my co-worker, who we all knew was one of the most intelligent and hardworking individuals in the company.

I asked him if he applied for the role, and he said, “I want to submit my resume, but I am afraid that they won’t think I am good enough.” He is a shy guy and a bit socially awkward, but that doesn’t take away from his skills, so I nipped that in the bud real fast.

Leadership and other co-workers were already coming to him for his knowledge and expertise, so why would they not consider him for this role? I was in a lower leveled position than he was, so I had no authority, but I went into the manager's office and explained why I thought my co-worker was the best person for that position.

After speaking up on his behalf, he received an interview request, was promoted to that position, and of course, excelled at it. Yes, I did tell him I was going to speak up for him. At first, he was terrified, but he thanked me later. To this day, he still appreciates what I did for him.

Once he stepped into this leadership role, I noticed how quickly he gained respect after years of being a part of the “peon” status. The same people that didn’t appreciate him were now reporting to him. They didn’t have a choice but to see him in a new light now.

That one person who believes in you can help uplift and inspire you to step into your power fearlessly. Sometimes society is so quick to hate on someone when they know nothing about their back story and the countless hours and years it took them to get where they are now.

I look at it like this:

It’s just like Cinderella’s journey. Your style, status, technique, physical makeup, or goals are different, and people see that. You might have to fight long battles of trials and tribulations throughout life. Often you feel like giving up.

They don’t want your gifts and talents to overshadow theirs, so they keep you down by making you feel like you will never be good enough. Many people are only looking out for themselves, just like the stepmother.

You long for the day when you will be understood and appreciated for your tireless efforts. Even when people try to dim your light, you have to stay strong.

Because you continued to be selfless and fought through the battles, the right people will find you one day, and you will finally receive what you deserve and be admired for who you are. Until then, keep being yourself because your time will come. Even if someone doesn’t come to your defense, rescue yourself and find the resources that you need to make your dreams come true!

I know how hard it is to keep pushing forward when you feel alone and when no one is acknowledging your growth. You have to keep validating yourself and have strength in who you are. Don’t let anyone try to silence you. The stairs to recognition might be narrow, long, or steep, but eventually, you will make it to your destination.

If you have the ability to speak up on behalf of someone, do it! Throw any pride or envy to the side because what is yours will always be yours. Who knows, maybe you both would make a great team.

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