As far back as I can remember I’ve been terrified of public speaking. The irony is that I would love to speak publicly, if not for one small problem. As soon as I begin to speak, I lose my self control. My mind empties, my limbs begin to tremble, and my voice falters, revealing my
crippling terror. I used to think that I would never overcome this debilitating fear, but that was before I attended the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. and learned differently. In January I attended the NYLC conference for six days to study and explore U.S. governmental structure with other “outstanding young leaders.” It was amazing for me to meet and interact with other students who, like myself, had an interest in political issues. I found that my peers in this program, by their own hard work and dedication, pushed me to excel and to work beyond my normal capacity. What surprised me most, however, was that this encouragement extended beyond the intellectual realm, to include my own personal goals as well. When we first began the program, we were asked to set a personal goal. Sheepishly, I wrote down that I wished to “…better interact with peers in group situations” and “overcome my shyness.” I banished this goal from my mind, however, until the day before the conference ended. That last day was by far the most spectacular, including the largest political simulation, the model Congress, and the Farewell Dinner Dance. Though it was exciting, I was at the same time saddened. It seemed that I would not only be leaving my new friends in a little over twenty-four hours, but I would inevitably be doing so without accomplishing the goal I had sought to achieve when I had arrived.
Feb
9