by Isabelle Ems
“Guys!”
A short, four letter word that asserts me into any conversation. Ever since I could talk, “guys” was always my word to get someone’s attention. Whether it was to let my family know that I broke the glass vase that my grandmother gifted my parents for their wedding, or as simple as asking my friends to jump on the trampoline, it was always “guys.” It is how I let the world know that I have something to say. My parents thought it was a cute quirk that I would grow out of, but as I grew up and my vocabulary evolved, I continued to use “guys” as a segue into any conversation.
As a grew up, I quickly realized that “guys” isn’t the most appropriate term to use when addressing a crowd, especially in a professional setting.
But I still use it.
Why?
It makes me relatable.
As a student leader of Penn State, I have made it my mission to be relatable to those who surround me. I want my general body members to be able to come to me with ideas, concerns, and questions. I want other student leaders to recognize me as a someone they can collaborate with for the betterment of the university. I want anyone that encounters me to not just see me as a position, but as a peer and a friend. I do this through the term “guys” and it works! It makes me personable and allows people to recognize me as another college student, rather than a leadership position. It gives my general body members a friend, not just a president. It allows me to present as an approachable friend that just so happens to hold a leadership position.
Now, when I go to my internship in corporate America this summer, I am going to cut back on my use of “guys.” However, cutting back on it does not mean that I am going to completely eliminate the word that gives me the confidence to approach others, and hopefully instills the confidence for others to approach me. My friends and all of the other important people in my life know that this small world is my way of reaching out to people. It is a means of connection for myself and how I establish myself in a conversation. While it might not be the most professional term to use, it makes me a relatable interaction for other, and gives me a security blanket when approaching the people around me.