Amanda Seales Talks The Importance In Getting To Know Yourself, The 'Insecure' Audition, and Promotes Higher Education
Amanda Seales. You cannot pay for a resume like hers. Seales is a comedian, actress, rapper, D.J., host, writer, and the list goes on. We remember this lady from Nickelodeon’s “My Brother and Me”, spittin that “Hot Shit” on Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam, a VJ on MTV, and of course the bougie-judgmental friend that we love to hate on HBO’s “Insecure”.
Believe it or not Seales originally went into the Insecure audition for the part of bank teller, “Tasha”. “I just felt like I wasn’t right for the role. I was in with the casting director--contrary to what anyone may tell you about LA, speak up if you want to be heard)--and I told her that I didn’t think the part was right for me. She laughed and asked if I’d be interested in auditioning for, “the other part.” When they described the role of Tiffany, “Early 30’s Ivy League graduate” I was like, THAT’S MY ACTUAL LIFE! I read for it right there on the spot having had the sides for only 10 min. I then went back in for two call backs and then a final chemistry test, then I got the call, and damned near got in an accident on the 101, I was screaming so loud!” One of the best qualities about the show is the relatability as a young woman of color. Also, the everyday hurdles the show attacks is something anyone can identify with. Everyone knows a Tiffany whose perspective you appreciate but who’s equally aggravating. The best way to deal with a “Tiffany-like” friend, don’t be afraid to check them, however, don’t have anything on the table for them to check you back.
The entrepreneurial spirit that has taken over the world is undoubtable infectious but what about higher education? In a world that seems to be more about who you know, does a degree carry the same weight it used to? Seales offers a few reasons why higher education is necessary:
1. It immediately validates you in a room. ESPECIALLY in a room of “white" people. When your intellect has been corroborated by a reputable institution people in high positions give you more respect off rip.
2. It can give you confidence to pursue bigger goals. You’re surrounded by affluence, and folks who've achieved either academically or financially and it really can show you how much more there is out there for you to pursue.
3. Knowledge is power. I’m not saying all knowledge comes from college, but I know that what learned there has incredibly shaped my critical thinking skills, broadened my information base, and taught me how to navigate people different than myself.
Seales’ career is based a lot off of what she thinks and says. It’s damn-near unfathomable to believe that she wasn’t always so levelheaded and strong. “It was learned...with maturity and time you just start to trust yourself and at this point I know who I am so my reactions aren't so emotionally triggered by someone else’s behavior. I just take a breath and use my brain and my gut to decide on the next move, and leave my heart out of it”. Figuring out ones purpose can be an ongoing journey but it “starts with figuring out what you love. What excites you? What drives you? Many of us are fortunate to live in a country where we have access to any profession we want if we just put our minds to it. It takes bravery, but to live a life doing what you love is the only way to thrive!”