Does the world seem like it's dragging along at a different pace? Do you constantly feel like you're the only one who notices "the emperor has no clothes"? Were you constantly teased or shamed for not conforming to what's "normal"? Do you wish you had accommodations for your needs that others readily received?
If that sounds all too familiar, you might be BUGN (Black Underrepresented/Unidentified Gifted and otherwise Neurodivergent).
This is a podcast primarily for Black gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people to learn about and discuss our unique experiences. I'm also here to create a safe and empowering space for all neurodivergent people, especially those who may not officially be identified and those from underrepresented communities. My goal is to move neurodivergence from deficiency to difference and to create a space where labels don't have to feel like pathology.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does the world seem like it's dragging along at a different pace? Do you constantly feel like you're the only one who notices "the emperor has no clothes"? Were you constantly teased or shamed for not conforming to what's "normal"? Do you wish you had accommodations for your needs that others readily received?
If that sounds all too familiar, you might be BUGN (Black Underrepresented/Unidentified Gifted and otherwise Neurodivergent).
This is a podcast primarily for Black gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people to learn about and discuss our unique experiences. I'm also here to create a safe and empowering space for all neurodivergent people, especially those who may not officially be identified and those from underrepresented communities. My goal is to move neurodivergence from deficiency to difference and to create a space where labels don't have to feel like pathology.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)
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Join me for my first guest/collaboriation episode where I was interviewed by Arash Zaghi of the "Square Pegs" podcast. This is one of my favorite episdoes because Arash's vision is very much aligned with mine.
I share my journey as a neurodivergent person, reflecting on childhood experiences, educational challenges, and the importance of advocacy. I discuss how my unique learning needs were often misunderstood, highlighting the critical role of supportive environments and the value of diverse thinking in STEM fields. We also discuss the intersectionality of being Black, gifted, and neurodivergent, addressing systemic biases and the importance of community and self-acceptance. Our discussion emphasizes the need for educational reform to better accommodate non-traditional learners and calls for a holistic approach to learning that recognizes and nurtures diverse cognitive abilities.
Square Pegs Podcast is a series of intimate conversations about navigating life and learning within the neurodiverse community, hosted by Dr. Arash Zaghi, Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. In each episode, we talk to neurodiverse students and experts in the field of neurodiversity.
Episode Highlights:
00:42 Meet Sheldon Gay: host of "I Must Be BUG'N" podcast
02:18 Sheldon's early school experiences
05:37 Discovering a passion for math and science
07:53 Divergent thinking and early academic challenges
11:10 The impact of real-world applications in education
15:42 Challenges in traditional education systems
27:41 The evolution of cognitive skills
28:24 Embracing uniquely brilliant minds
29:43 Changing systems to fit diverse minds
30:27 Choosing an MBA over engineering
32:18 Innovative projects and missed opportunities
33:39 Starting the "I Must Be BUG’N" podcast
34:42 Challenges of being neurodivergent in marginalized communities
38:08 The importance of diagnosis and acceptance
47:07 Creating a supportive community
53:15 Advice to younger self
Helpful Links:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.