Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zvestly Plantin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Zvestly, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a black woman of color, this is something that I experience quite often. Currently, this is something I experience and deal with daily being the only black woman in my cohort for my master’s program. Fortunately, in this setting I haven’t felt as if my peers or professors allow the color of my skin to dictate or define my place and success in the program. However, because my experience is different than theirs, it’s hard for me to relate with them on certain topics during class discussions. I have learned to be more open minded with hopes that they do the same. This semester, I am applying to internships and I do feel like I’m already at a disadvantage because I am a black woman. I worry about being underestimated and missing out on opportunities because of it. I have learned to sell myself and allow my knowledge and abilities to speak for me. This is something that is hard for me because it has always felt like bragging. Despite all of this discrimination could definitely still play a role and prevent me from getting an opportunity I’m deserving of but I just have to trust that God will place me exact where I need to be. I know that my name is already in room I have yet to step in, and the people in those rooms have no idea what I look like, I am slowly learning to use my differences to my advantage. For example, no one in my cohort is able to speak on diversity in mental health in the way that I can, Not only because I’m black but because being from Miami, Florida I have been able to be around and experience a multitude of different people and their cultures/ traditions. I have unique insight making my point of view different,
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Primarily, I am a 2nd year grad student. I like and enjoy what I’m studying and can’t wait to be doing it professionally. However, I feel like school has been so limiting because of how time consuming it is. There is so much that I want to explore and experience, and I’m so excited for future me to get to do those things. Currently, I am also a content creator. I do it mostly for fun, however it does contribute to my income. I also own a candle business (@xyzeecandles) which I decided to put on hold when I started grad school. I am so excited to get back to it and turn it everything I know it has the potential to be. I also have some new business ideas that I am working on and hope that I. can bring into fruition.
It’s hard to want to do so many things because I want everything to be done correctly and I never want to only partly give my energy to something I’m pursuing and am passionate about.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Patience. I had to learn how to wait. Wait for God. Wait for the right time. Wait for my turn. 2. Stop comparing your journey to everyone else’s. Your journey will not look like theirs. You are not at the same part of your journey as anyone else, allow yourself to go through each step.
3. Do everything from your heart. Pursue things you care about. Invest your time in things you are passionate about. Do not let the outside world influence you into doing things because “that’ what you should do” or because it’s a trend.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have never failed to make me feel loved and supported. I often hear stories about people my age whose parents don’t say “I love you” or don’t hug them or didn’t allow them the space to cry or express their emotions. Luckily, I never experienced that. My parents always reminded me and told me they loved me and are proud of me. When I started my candle business, they were so supportive and never doubted me. This gave me the confidence to really take it seriously and even look into other things that sparked my interests.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://direct.me/zealxt
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zealxt/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGLKD51etWZ1i8Y_v4St31w
