There I was, sitting amongst the crowd, soon to be speaking to them. I feel as though the week of writing the perfect speech was just erased from my mind. The speech I wrote out was so tight in my hands that it was grasping for air. I was to give a speech about how the club I just took over for and the effects it had on kids and the impact it can have in the community. The goal was to try and promote awareness of foster kids in the county and joining the club could improve the lives of the kids. It’s a great message and very difficult one to mess up… yet why do I feel like I will?
My mind was racing with exaggerated responses to the horrible speech I was going to present:
“Who wants to help foster kids?!”
“Why would anyone want to help, forget that. You stink!”
Now in hindsight that seemed very stupid. But in the moment it felt like the only outcome. With torches and pitchforks flailing as they call for my head.
But there I am sitting still, only two more presenters in front of me. I guess what was scaring me the most was my Mom being in the crowd. I am unsure why, but there was always added pressure when speaking out in front of her, whether it was maybe if I embarrass myself and become disowned from the family or even worse… her saying something out loud. Moms tend to have that aura of embarrassing their children radiate off of them.
Before I knew it, I was on the stage standing their leaving the piece of paper in my chair like an idiot. Yet I still just continue because the show must go on. The crowd full of kids and parents thinking about attending the school. So I naturally begin by introducing myself.
I further lightened the mood with some jokes and a little hope that the program offers. But soon after I delved into what really matters, raising awareness of a problem that plagues our young generation. I go into saying how growing up in a one parent household my entire life was a privilege knowing what these kids go through all the time. The club was to help mentor and be a support system for kids who never had an older body to look up to. The topic was very serious and that was the tone, but I know that is the only way for people to understand this topic.
I finish and walk off the stage, shaking. My Mom gave me a huge hug and told me she was proud as would any embarrassing mom would. As skeptical as I was, I look behind her as a line of both students and parents coming to ask more questions about how they can help and where to sign up. It made me ecstatic that people listened to my urge to help out the community and are willing to support a cause they know little about. My voice was heard, and the people care.
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