Students learn to be confident and not cocky during forum

Shakell James
Staff Writer 

The freshman class council at Jackson State University held its “ Confidence Not Cockiness” forum on Monday, Oct. 24 in Dixon Residence Hall. 

The student leaders discussed the difference between confidence and cockiness, how to present yourself among others, and how to approach one’s arrogance. 

Austin Rolfe, a junior business marketing major from Little Rock, Ark., served as Mr. Sophomore for the 2021-2022 academic school year. He currently holds the position of junior class vice president. He highly recommended not letting yourself get into your own head.

“Confidence is energy about yourself that is presented positively,” Rolfe said.

According to the student leaders, cockiness can come off in a negative light and it can cause groups of people to develop preconceived notions that may not be true.

They suggest when encountering someone with a cocky attitude, the best thing to do is have a private conversation with them explaining their behavior. 

Several tips were given to boost confidence. Tips include:

• Get a journal 
• Turn your insecurities and alter them into compliments 
• Practice in the mirror
• Create sticky notes with encouraging words
• Surround yourself with encouraging family and friends
• Always trust your intuition whenever there is a pessimistic effect
• Do not allow people to take advantage of you

Kennedy Harrison, a senior political science major from Dallas, Texas, holds two different student leadership positions, president of the Blue S.T.R.E.A.K and attorney general of the Student Government Association (SGA) for the 2022-2023 academic school year. 

 Harrison said that student leaders have to remain cautious and not lose themselves in their titles.  “It’s ok to not be a part of the crowd sometimes,” Harrison said.

Elisha Brown, a junior elementary education major from Columbia, Miss., said she did not plan on becoming a student leader for the 2022-2023 academic school year. It was never her plan to even run for Miss Junior but she said her main support system had different plans. 

“Having the right people surrounded around you will wash away any doubt you have about yourself,” Brown said. 

Caleab Pickens, a public health major from Jackson, Miss., and current freshman class president said that cockiness carries a negative connotation. 

“Your biggest downfall is not listening to people,” Pickens said.

Joshua Edwards, a senior Journalism and Media Studies major from Tulsa, Okla. and the current and sixth Mr. Jackson State University admitted that being a student leader is more difficult than what meets the eye. 

“It’s okay to not be perfect at all times and once you accept that, you will always be the person you’re called to be,” Edwards said.

Attendees of the forum seemed to be receptive to the information given by the new freshman class council.

Jamere Slaughter, a psychology major from Chicago, Ill., said cocky attitudes remind him to stay humble. 

“It was really informative, it made me think about my future endeavors on campus. I won’t be as nervous, scared, or hesitant about trying new things on campus or even in life outside of school,” Slaughter said. 

Regan Johnson, a computer engineering major from Jackson, Miss., and the current freshman class secretary is all about self-love. She said that it is important to not be so critical of yourself and shortcomings.

“Always know your worth and always love yourself,” Johnson said.