Awkward and Proud: Samantha Merz Of University of British Columbia On How Embracing Your True Self Can Be Your Social Superpower
An interview with Dr. Bharat Sangani
Be patient. Timing is everything; the right time will happen when taking on new endeavors. Sometimes the muse for my poetry finds me quickly and sometimes takes much longer.
In a world that often pressures us to fit in, embracing quirks and authenticity can become a unique advantage. Leaning into what makes you different, even if it feels awkward, can foster genuine connections and unlock personal empowerment. In this series, we we would like to explore how embracing one’s true self can transform social interactions and become a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Samantha Merz.
Samantha Merz is a published poet with learning differences. Samantha struggled in school but found comfort in poetry in her later years. Samantha is an Administrative Assistant at the University of British Columbia. Samantha has a background in Public Relations.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
Growing up, I had learning differences that made concentrating in school difficult. I got into poetry in my later years as a creative outlet and started writing. I have written two poetry books called Kazoo and Meadow Light.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person that you are grateful for, who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
My mother, Brenda, has helped me get to where I am now. She has been with me since the beginning and has offered me suggestions to help improve my writing. She encourages me to write press releases to local news outlets to spread awareness of my poetry.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
I believe I am a loyal friend because I try my best to keep in touch with my handful of close-knit friends. I am compassionate because I like to give back, especially during the holiday season. I am curious because I love to learn new things such as cooking.
Ok, fantastic. Let’s now turn to the crux of our interview. Can you recall a moment when embracing your awkwardness led to a meaningful personal or professional breakthrough? What shifted for you in that experience?
Yes, when I was doing my practicum at the ALS Society of BC, I was my authentic self by not putting on a mask when carrying out a variety of tasks and meeting new people. I was able to connect with like-minded people that I worked with during the volunteer gala. I was able to quiet the nagging voice in my head that would normally make me feel insecure socializing with new people at a fancy event. I had a great time.
Many people feel pressure to ‘fit in’ socially. What advice do you have for someone struggling to be their authentic self in a world that often rewards conformity?
My advice would be to unmask and let your personality shine when talking to other people. Putting yourself out there can be challenging but it’s also rewarding.
How do you think embracing your quirks and imperfections can enhance connections with others, especially in professional or high-pressure settings?
Embracing your quirks and imperfections helps you bond with others by putting forth your personality and intentions in professional or high-pressure settings.
What role does vulnerability play in transforming awkwardness into a superpower? Can you share a time when showing vulnerability opened doors or strengthened relationships?
Vulnerability can transform awkwardness into a superpower by allowing you to get outside of your head and any negative thoughts by putting yourself first when approaching others. Yes, when I made a recent discovery about myself, I was able to share the news with a trusted individual, which opened many doors and strengthened that relationship.
What are “5 Ways To Embrace Your True Self”?
- Use your imagination. It is important to think outside the box. I like to think of new ways of approaching a situation. One example is to explain why I have to be somewhere earlier than my designated time which is to warm up before my personal training session.
- Be patient. Timing is everything; the right time will happen when taking on new endeavors. Sometimes the muse for my poetry finds me quickly and sometimes takes much longer.
- Be curious. I love learning new things. I am going to take a cooking class soon to learn new recipes and meal preparation.
- Be loyal. My best friend, Cara, and I have been friends since we were young. We frequently keep in touch, exchange gifts around the holidays and for our birthdays, and lean on each other for support.
- Be compassionate. I find it is important to help others so I volunteer every year at CBC’s Food Bank Day by taking phone calls for donations. It makes me feel good and seeing the total raised every year makes me feel a sense of accomplishment because it takes team effort.
Do you believe that celebrating awkwardness can inspire innovation and creativity? How has staying true to yourself influenced your approach to problem-solving or leadership?
Yes, I believe that celebrating awkwardness can inspire innovation and creativity by allowing yourself to embrace all ideas outside the box. Staying true to myself has influenced my approach to problem-solving and leadership by letting the voice of reason come over me instead of trying too hard by making a bad impression by putting on a façade.
How can our readers further follow your work?
Readers can follow me online through my blog, https://samanthamerz.wordpress.com/, and through Instagram @samanthamerz and @marblemessages.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About The Interviewer: Dr. Bharat Sangani is a cardiologist and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience, practicing in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Dallas, Texas. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, he specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and hypertension. In 1999, Dr. Sangani founded Encore Enterprises, a national real estate investment firm. Under his leadership, the company has executed transactions exceeding $2 billion, with a portfolio spanning residential, retail, hotel, and office developments. Known for his emphasis on integrity and fairness, Dr. Sangani has built Encore into a major player in the commercial real estate sector. Blending his medical and business expertise, Dr. Sangani created the Life is a Business mentorship program. The initiative offers guidance on achieving balance in health, wealth, and relationships, helping participants align personal and professional goals. Now based in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Sangani continues to practice cardiology while leading Encore Enterprises and mentoring others. His career reflects a unique blend of medical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to helping others thrive.
Awkward and Proud: Samantha Merz Of University of British Columbia On How Embracing Your True Self… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.