Freshers: Have Confidence In Confidence Alone

As you probably noticed at Fresher Fair – there are so many opportunities to get involved in here at the University of York. Be it joining a sports club, a society, your college committee, or a liberation network- there’s so many ways for you to help improve your community and so many leadership roles for you to get stuck into.

What will this day be like? – I wonder.

What will my future be? – I wonder.

For example, York is one of the most Media-Rich campuses in the UK: we have not only York Vision, but Nouse, The Lemon Press,  Circulation Magazine, HARD Magazine, The Yorker, The Looking Glass Anthology,  University Radio York, and York Student Television. This wealth of media societies brings amazing access to resources – be it media lawyers, software,  our network of alumni, or nationwide respect for our publications, so it’s worth not missing out on your chance to join.

Getting involved in these societies in university gives you experience and value that can go way beyond the piece of paper you received upon graduation – it does however have one huge hurdle that prevents a huge amount of students from getting involved every year- confidence.

Oh, I must stop these doubts,

All these worries.

If I don’t I just know I’ll turn back!

I must dream of the things I am seeking.

I am seeking the courage I lack.

It’s tempting to think that you are inferior somebody else running for a role, that you are inexperienced, or to feel guilty that you are depriving someone else for a role. But take a look at those who do apply for roles. Those with privileged with confidence are often a combination of the following things: independent school educated, white, middle class, able-bodied, cisgendered men – many of whom have had confidence instilled upon them their entire lives.  

Running for a role is a daunting and personal task, each time we run for a role we have to open ourselves up to be judged by others. Societies have a role in making themselves more accessible by instilling confidence into those who might not have had this inherent confidence.

So, let them bring on all their problems,

I’ll do better than my best.

I have confidence

They’ll put me to the test!

If you think someone would be good in a role, encourage them, foster confidence in them, and tell them to run. This is especially as important for individuals who belong to groups that traditionally aren’t included in leadership roles – be it due to their race, gender, class, or access needs.

Confidence does not indicate ability. Some people who display confidence become elected to their roles, often without contested, and then do little, or nothing, taking credit for the work of others. One YUSU Official told Vision: “just remember that the world is filled with terrible people, so you probably really are better than everyone else”.

Endlessly comparing yourself to other is not good for the self esteem, so apply for roles and leave that job for the secret ballot, and listen to your inner Maria Von Trapp and exclaim:

Have confidence in yourself, and empower confidence into others to make the most out of your university experience.

Give It A Go: Come to our Editorial Meeting on Friday 13th October 2017 from 18:00 at  Grimston House.