The Invisibles

Graduation can mark the end of acute invisibility because girls leave the bubble of high school.

“Getting out into the world and throwing yourself into experiences, and saying yes more — this helps a person move away from invisibility,” says Mr. Elman. “It’s a move toward being active in a direct and visceral way that is self-realizing and self-affirming.”

After graduating, Devoiry channeled her personal strengths into a career, and she’s now a registered nurse. She receives much positive feedback from patients, and often provides guidance to her colleagues — all of which boost her sense of self-worth.

For someone who doesn’t feel enough self-actualization, who still feels invisible, any experience that will bring a person toward being seen is a step away from invisibility. “If you’re not in a job you like, take a step toward the one you want,” says Mr. Elman. “Any step that will direct your developing self-concept will mitigate that sense of invisibility.”