Of all the sessions I was able to attend, the most inspiring and informative one was “I Too: Unmasking Emotional Labor for Women of Color Librarians”. This was a wonderful conversation, that I wish could of happened earlier in my career, but I guess better late then never!
As this session unfolded I began to feel validated. Being a Latina in the library world for 21 years, I am sure you would expect that I experienced many racial incidents in my personal as well as my professional career. Bravo to Alyssa Porter, Kimberly Tate-Malone, and Sharon Spence–Wilcox who put this session together. (Where were you 20 years ago?) 8-)
During this seminar, I learned new vocabulary and concepts, for example: Emotional labor, Racial battle fatigue, and Imposter syndrome. The explanations are so descriptive and right on target. I feel I now have the correct phrases that will help me when I need to describe what I may be feeling. I will share this information with my fellow Latina colleague's, and I expect them to nod their heads in agreement and say “Yes, that’s what I was feeling”.
I had such a wonderful time at the OLA-WLA 2019! I want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it.
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