Esther Declerk
What makes Esther Wildly Capable?
Esther is one of the most outgoing, caring, and fierce individuals in OKC. She invests in her tribal community, university students, colleagues, and friends in the most intentional way. Anyone who interacts with Esther feels better due to her personality, joy, and attentiveness. Esther knows no stranger. Being her friend is the greatest gift.” KATHERINE KOCH
What makes you feel proud?
In higher education we get a unique opportunity to interact with college students as they are becoming the 2.0 version of themselves. A major part of the reason I love this work, and something that makes me feel proud, is to see the development of the students I get to work with. Whether I spend four years or one summer with them, the growth that I see is inspiring. I love this work because it is such a formative time in life and to play even a small part in it makes me feel proud of the work I do.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
An initiative close to my heart is minority belonging in Oklahoma City and Oklahoma as a whole. Being Native American and queer has given me a unique perspective on belonging in the different spaces I show up. While these are two pieces of my identity that I wear with pride, I know not all feel safe to do so and that is something I want to change. I do this through leading by example in my work and my community, creating brave spaces for those around me, and ensuring that folks know they always have a friend and confidant in me.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
As a kid I was pretty sick and traveled back and forth between Enid and Oklahoma City for 11 years to be treated at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. During those years, I missed school, sports, and hanging out with friends but I also learned a couple good lessons:
Keeping a positive attitude makes a big difference. I had every right to be sullen and angry, but I did my best to keep spirits high. I made friends with my nurses and doctors and made the most of my time in the hospital or at home.
Don’t take small moments for granted. Every moment we have with people is an opportunity to create a memory, have a laugh, or make them feel special.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be present. There is nothing in our life that we can control more than the way we show up in a space and how we interact with the people around us. Being present allows us to learn from our surroundings, experience new things, and most importantly, deepen relationships with those we choose to spend our time with. Being present means much more than physically being in a space... remember that.
