“Real talk” is a phrase that’s been in my vocabulary for a long time. “Real talk” is usually what I preface a conversation with meaning I am about to be very honest about something that could be a sensitive topic for other. “Real talk” also commits understanding and genuineness.
I was talking to a close professor, who has been so important and influential on my life choices since I’ve been at Otterbein. Being genuinely concerned about what I want to do when I depart this school in three weeks, she began asking what I was interested.
I’ve been putting all of this off. It’s something I don’t like thinking about, because I’ve been forced to be a grown up for so long, I really don’t want to actually take the step forward into the real world. I like having the option to back out and default on being a kid.
Without out having to say “Okay, real talk, Alyssa…” Dr. Warren really helped me come to terms with my leaving. She pointed me in the direction of the career center to take some aptitude tests, because there are things I might want to do, but I didn’t know they could be jobs. She advised me to go to law school, which I’m sure I don’t want to, but it’s a possibility that my mind might change in the future.
Most of all, she said she’d be there for me. She offered her help, resources and knowledge. She also said that she’d go to dinner and have drinks with me if I wanted, but for some reason she thinks I wouldn’t want to. If she only knew how many teachers I’m friends with.
Anyway, something about “real talk” is always cathartic. It’s the best way to get at those things nagging your mind, without leading with the instantaneously offensive “don’t be offended, but…”
We all could benefit with a little more “real talk.”
