21 Oct Cynthia Erivo Talks Mental Health and Identity at ASI’s ‘Beyond the Conversation’
Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning performer Cynthia Erivo captivated the audience at Associated Students Inc.’s (ASI) first Beyond the Conversation event of the 2024 fall semester. The discussion centered on mental health, advocacy, and the importance of embracing one’s individuality.
Erivo, known for her performances on Broadway and in film, opened up about the challenges she has faced in her career and personal life. She emphasized the significance of self-acceptance, urging attendees to recognize and embrace their unique identities. As the second Black woman ever to portray Elphaba in the upcoming musical Wicked, Erivo’s casting marks a significant milestone. Her role not only highlights her talent, but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring performers.
“You have to go into the room as you,” she shared. “When you are fully you, you allow other people to relax and enjoy the experience of what you bring to the table.”
The audience buzzes with excitement for Erivo / Credit: ASICSUF Flickr
Erivo’s message struck a chord with students, many of whom are navigating their own paths or challenges. Fourth-year CSUF student Sianai Washington echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of confidence in navigating university life and beyond.
“Being confident in who you are will really take you a long way,” Washington shared, inspired by Erivo’s words. Washington found Erivo’s message—that students should embrace their own unique journeys—particularly empowering.
CSUF is a diverse university, with many students on their own paths. It’s special for students to hear that their journeys are meant to be unique to them.
Erivo Believes in a Strong Team of Support
Erivo thanks the crowd walking onto stage at the start of the event / Credit: ASICSUF Flickr
Erivo’s words served as a reminder of the importance of communication and connection in managing mental health challenges. For those unable to access professional help, she encouraged finding a supportive friend or confidant, emphasizing that everyone needs someone to talk to.
When asked how she copes with her own mental health challenges, she answered—
“A really good team. And here’s the thing, that team doesn’t have to be a manager or agent,” she explained. “You need good friends and good family, and that family doesn’t need to be blood family. They will help you.”
“And if you can get a therapist, do that too,” she suggested jokingly, receiving laughs from the crowd.
Erivo Hopes to Inspire the Next Generation
Erivo takes the time to meet with fans and audiences to take pictures with them / Credit: ASICSUF Flickr
The conversation shifted to Erivo’s experiences as a woman of color in the entertainment industry, where she expressed her desire for young Black women to feel empowered and inspired in their pursuits.
“I want them to see this character as a beacon of their own difference,” she noted about her role in ‘Wicked,’ highlighting the importance of representation. She hopes younger Black women can see themselves reflected in the characters she portrays, even when their experiences are different.
For students like Brooklynn Morales, a CSUF sophomore majoring in musical theater, Erivo serves as a powerful source of inspiration.
“She’s been one of my biggest inspirations … I see a lot of myself in her. I hope to gain some of her wisdom,” Morales shared.
Meet Our Moderator, Kayla Lam
Kayla Lam on stage while moderating the interview with Cynthia Erivo / Credit: ASICSUF Flickr
Kayla Lam, a fourth-year student here at Cal State Fullerton and an ASI programming assistant, was the lucky individual who had the chance to interview Erivo herself. This was not just any task that a programming assistant might get asked; this was a special moment.
“My body was in denial until the day of the interview,” Lam recalled. “I was in class an hour before the event literally googling how to get over stage fright.”
Lam was really feeling the pressure of interviewing someone she had looked up to for years. Fortunately, those emotions did not last.
“Cynthia was incredibly calming. I asked maybe two or three of these questions on stage, then I forgot the audience was there,” Lam reflected, highlighting how Erivo’s presence eased her nerves on stage.
Lam explained why the Beyond the Conversation series, going into its fourth year, is so special to students.
“Sometimes you just need to listen to the advice from the person you look up to the most.”