Nikkita Oliver comes to WSU Vancouver to influence students towards what they are capable of achieving.
You have likely heard the story of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears. Goldie Locks stumbles into a cabin in the woods only to find three bowls of porridge, she sits in some chairs, she lays in a few beds and eventually she is confronted by three bears only to run away.
On Sept. 4, artist, author, professor, and former politician, Nikkita Oliver, told the story of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears as part of the Cultural Arts and Equity Hip Hop Series taking place on campus.
Oliver asked members of the audience to think about when they had first heard this story. Most audience members said “kindergarten” or “when I was a little kid.”
(Photo Courtesy of Felix Braffith)
Oliver explained that this story has been told for decades and that the details of the story have changed over time.
The second time Oliver narrated this story, she told her own version. With a background in law, politics and education, Oliver has some issues with how the story might give children the impression that trespassing and destroying others’ property is okay.
She believes storytelling can change society’s perceptions, ideals and beliefs amongst future generations. “I think the kinds of stories we tell and the way we tell stories can manifest different outcomes because you allow people to imagine something different,” Oliver said.
She explained that storytelling can have an impact on many facets of life and it is something that stretches far beyond reading words on a page.
“People remember stories. Stories are memorable. I think stories also carry culture. Stories are key to how we live our lives,” Oliver said. “The narrative I give myself is why I get up at 5 a.m. every day. I tell myself if I don’t work out, if I don’t eat right, I’m going to die by 50. Stories are motivating and they can be incredibly empowering.”
“People remember stories. Stories are memorable. I think stories also carry culture. Stories are key to how we live our lives.”
– Nikkita Oliver
Creating narratives to manifest change is what inspires Oliver to speak on college campuses and tell stories to students from different backgrounds.
“I love engaging with university students at all levels because this is a space for thinking, thought and conversation, and I think it’s important to be engaged in these spaces and having these conversations,” Oliver said. “The beauty of college is, this is four years to think and create, how do you make the most of that?”
Oliver explained that during high school, a counselor told her she was not college material. This is why Oliver prioritizes speaking to younger generations. “For me it’s all about reshaping narratives,” Oliver said. “How do you start changing the way we think about who gets to do what things and I think authenticity is key to that.”
If storytelling is truly the vehicle for change, Oliver encourages all students to be creative with their personal narratives. “I think creativity is just naturally a part of life. I think having outlets and opportunities to express ourselves is a really important piece of allowing people to process their life,” Oliver said. “I tell stories so that we can identify what’s happening now but also so that we can manifest through our storytelling what we want to see in the future.”
Brody Voge is a junior at WSU Vancouver studying strategic communications.