As a student of an higher institution, we are exposed to research work and presentation of seminar papers. I had the privilege of presenting a paper once. This was the first time I ever allowed myself make an academic presentation in front of a classroom filled with adults. All my life I have been scared of failing as well as critiques and sometimes the wrong judgment that accompanies failing; since most of the time I take it the wrong way. But this was different, I needed the critique, I needed to grow, I needed to get out of my box and start making a difference and live life, my dream, not just for me, but for everyone I came across; and I needed to start now, in this lecture hall. I realised if I was ever gong to make a difference, I have to welcome critiques, bath with with them, dine with them and think it through, but never allow them define me.
I was standing in from of the classroom, my knees shook, my palms got Wet, I felt a lump in my throat-I had skipped sleep the previous night, since my group's research work had not being completed, plus I was anxious- Alas! I opened my mouth to speak, my voice betrayed me. I was going to shout, but decided to be easy on my self.
Our research work was complex and abstract, virtually no textbook materials on it. We ought to understand the concept like a bitter pill and come up with a paper. This was the time to put all I had read and practiced into action.
At the end of the presentation, some understood my present, while others didn't. Some murmured, some clapped, others kept quiet. A group member came forward and explained further (saved the day). the Lecturer commended our work.
No one understood how important that presentation was for me. I was not the best speaker in the group but I was chosen to present even though I did not deserve it. The presentation did not go well that day, but I learnt a few lessons which includes the following;
1. In life there will be onlookers, critics, participants, instead of sitting back, and watch life happen, participate, just a little action on your part is capable of changing the course of life.
2. Give your best always, no matter what you do and how well you do it there are bystanders whose sole responsibility is to criticise you, whether positive or negative.
3. Take that challenge and look your fears in face. take that great step you are scared of because whether you excel at it or not, your critiques would be waiting for you at the other end of the day.
4. Failing at something gives you an epiphany of discovering ways to be better at that which you failed at and tests your faithfulness to that dream.
5. The best don't get the spotlight always, so being in the spotlight is a privilege, make the best use of it.
6. Failing is a privilege as it leaves you with an interesting lesson how not to fail in the future as well as an interest way of being a better person.
At the end of the day, I drank a cup of Ice cream and set out to prepare for my next adventure...you guessed right; "Another presentation", another opportunity to make my mistakes and be criticised. I have decided to keep at it, till I am pretty good at it.
from me to me...
#happyadventure
