TUFFTalks is a relatively new series introduced by the University Activities Board (UAB) intended to emulate TED Talks and give a platform for students and faculty members to share ideas on various themes. This year’s TUFFTalks was on Feb. 8 in Stewart Theatre, marking the fourth year that the event has been held. The theme of the event was “In Search of Self,” and featured Ash Beckham as the keynote speaker.
The show opened up with the help of the Chair and Vice Chair of the UAB Speakers and Professional Development Committee, Tony Contini and Emily Klawitter.
The first talk of the show was given by Jessica Allston, a first-year in exploratory studies, who discussed her struggles with type-one diabetes. Allston talked about her struggles to be visible about her illness, challenges with mental health and her experience being bullied because of her diabetes. She ended her presentation on a strong note, expressing her pride in being a type-one diabetic and how it had become a trait of which she was proud.
“I am constantly striving for improvement,” Allston said. “But it’s also very important to remember that the reason that we are here today, that all of us are here today, is because we are strong. We should all be proud that we survived. And we should all flaunt our strengths. Sometimes what we think is the worst about ourselves can actually be the best.”
Shantoneeka Zorn, a graduate studying college counseling and student development, also spoke at the event. During her talk, she presented her journey with self-acceptance and the intersection of her identities as a black, queer and mentally-ill individual. Zorn went into detail about her process in searching for herself and how each one of these labels ultimately influenced her experiences with the other facets of her identity. Zorn wrapped up her presentation with a powerful statement of self-love.
”It is not completely true that there is not anyone showing up for me, because I am now showing up for myself,” Zorn said.
Coltan Compton, a second-year studying psychology, discussed his relationship with faith, spirituality and Christianity. Compton used a Lego set to act as a physical metaphor within his presentation for his experiences grappling with his spiritual identity and the social pressures that his identity brought on. He explained how his inclusive mindset of spirituality ultimately came in conflict with the underlying values he saw presented in different instances of religious environments.
“I have assigned myself an identity that extends beyond one thing and into everything: Spiritual explorer,” Compton said.
Felix Harris, a fourth-year studying genetics, talked about their mother and their relationship with grief after over losing her to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Harris’ presentation was full of meaningful references to Star Trek and their separate journey about accepting their gender identity and handling their mental illness. At the end of their presentation, Harris stood firm.
“I am more than just a poor kid without a parent,” Harris said.
Ru Wolle, a fourth-year majoring in communication, did her presentation on how the pressure of trying to live up to the expectations others set for her ultimately became an unbearable burden. She experienced setbacks trying to find her voice within all of the pressure. Wolle found solace in books and the teachings of individuals such as James Baldwin or Maya Angelou.
“I learned that you don’t know what you need in life until you forget who you are,” Wolle said.
Keynote speaker Ash Beckham was the last to present. She went through a list of components that led to a greater sense of understanding of self, leading into her explanation of each trait with a story about her own personal experiences dealing with different aspects of her sense of self and explaining the lesson behind each story. Her presentation was peppered with humorous quips centered on her identity as a lesbian.
She closed out her presentation with a statement of encouragement towards the audience to express their sense of self.
”Your truth is exactly what the world needs to hear,” Beckham said.
For those who missed this year’s event, or who are eager to attend next year’s iteration of the event, keep an eye on UAB’s event calendar for when the date of next year’s event is announced.
Ru Wolle, a fourth-year studying communication, speaks at TUFFTalks: In Search Of Self on Friday, Feb. 8 at Stewart Theatre. TUFFTalks is an annual event hosted by the University Activities Board, allowing students to reflect and share their personal stories.
