The Power to Change Ignited by Three Simple Words
By Janice Phillips
Janice Phillips is Director of Nursing Research and Health Equity at a major U.S. teaching hospital and university.
“You have potential,” my state-appointed social worker said as she laid out a plan for me to
escape the horrors of living in an abusive foster home and enroll in nursing school.
At that moment, I was not sure what
those words meant. After all, no one had
ever spoken to me in such a positive manner since my arrival to foster care.
I was more familiar with words like, “You’ll never amount to anything,” or “You will be just like your mother.” I certainly hoped not given that my mother abandoned my handicapped brother and me at a young age.
Besides my mother was struggling with mental illness.
Little did I know at that time that the words, “You have potential” would ignite the confidence in me to change my situation. For once, I saw a glimmer of hope through the eyes of my beloved social worker who believed in me.
Attending college was more than a passport to safety but also a gateway to self-sufficiency and self-pride. My power to change my situation was deeply rooted in my ability to complete college and pursue meaningful employment. I had no choice but to succeed.
Succeeding in college was synonymous with survival.
Thankfully, with the blessings and support of a dedicated social worker and a few others, I completed my nursing degree and moved on to experience a meaningful and very productive career.
Fast forward to 40 plus years later, I am fully convinced that the power to change my situation became alive the moment I heard those three words: “You have potential.”
I have since dedicated my life to empowering others to make positive changes in their personal and professional life.
Janice Phillips is Director of Nursing Research and Health Equity at a major U.S. hospital. https://linkedin.com/in/drjanicephillips
““I am fully convinced that the power to change my situation became alive the moment I heard those three words: ‘“You have potential.’” —Janice Phillips, Director of Nursing Research & Health Equity. #PowerToChangeStories”