Tabitha Hurdle
Tabitha “Tabi’ Hurdle is a 2008 graduate of OPRFHS and two-time LTAB member. She graduated from Boston University (BU) as a part of the dual-degree program with a BA, Political Science and BS, Journalism, and later completed her MBA in Operations and Technology Management from BU’s Questrom School of Business. Tabi worked in Higher Education at Boston University and the University of San Francisco, before making a career change into the Technology Industry. She was a Manager on the Talent Aquisition Strategy & Operations team at Twitter prior to joining Stripe. She now lives with her amazing college sweetheart/husband in the Bay Area of California. They love to travel, binge-watch shows with strong character development, laugh with friends and family over food, and cook dinners as if they’re on Chopped. Tabi is an avid reader, taco aficionado and tea drinker who firmly believes that poetry and Spoken Word Club have not only saved her life, but have enhanced it personally and professionally in ways that she couldn’t have ever imagined.
The impact of poetry and the spoken word club
Spoken Word Club taught me how powerful my voice can be. I was extremely timid and unsure of myself when I was first introduced to the Club. I struggled with confidence throughout high school and the beginning of college. Although Spoken Word wasn’t an instant fix, and it wasn’t meant to be, it forced me to address and acknowledge the torture that I was putting myself and others through due to my insecurities.
My confidence was built on the stage. It was built gradually by each performance as if to make sure that my foundation was strong enough for the experiences I would have later in life. Spoken Word was the best mentor and teacher I could ever have. I had to be mentally vulnerable when I was performing. I realized that I was powerful enough to control how I felt when I left the stage. I don’t remember ever receiving a “10” from a judge, but there are performances/poems in which I gave myself a “10” because I knew the journey it took to get to that point. Spoken Word allowed me to discover the process of reassuring myself when others didn’t. It gave me the chance to realize that I had it in me when others didn’t think I did.
The slam aspect taught me what it meant to rely on a team, and how to handle disappointment, nervousness, and uncertainty together. I learned my role on a team through Slam Team; I realized that I’m a realistic optimist and enjoy encouraging others. I also learned that I’m a perfectionist, workaholic, and can be my toughest critic. I learned how difficult it is to work with diverse personalities and egos, especially when most of the team is under stress. Most importantly, I took away that my attitude determines my reputation and impacts the outcome of not only myself, but also a team. This aspect has propelled me professionally. My management philosophy is deeply rooted in the role I chose to play on that team. I’m a better manager because of the self-awareness I gained being on the Slam team.
I’ve had a lot of life thrown at me over the last five years. My parents were diagnosed with cancer within a year after my wedding. I am beyond devastated to have lost my first loves at a young age, but I’m blessed to still have amazing parent-figures in my life. One of the most prominent being my “Pops” (AKA Peter Kahn) that the Club and poetry have given me. For that alone, there are no words to describe the impact that it has made on my life. It has given me unbelievable opportunities, and inconceivable joy when I needed it the most. It’s given me a guide through life that I know my parents would undoubtedly trust to carry the baton. I can’t even fathom measuring that. I would be an idiot to even try.
Top favorite poets or lyricists
Mereba, Zora Neale Hurston, Zione Watson - my niece. All because of their striking lines/imagery and the ability to write with such emotion.
Writing Prompts
Write about the most recent “best” day you’ve had
Write about a final memory with someone or something that hasn’t happened yet, but will happen in the future
Think of an important or impactful memory you have with a loved one. Speak about it as if it were happening now (present tense)