One afternoon I talked with my teacher by the name of Mr. K, I was venting to him about the stressful day I was having. Shortly after talking to Mr K I went to class, after about 5 minutes Mr. K then pulled me out of class to talk with me again. He wanted to share my experience with his class so that they too would know my story! Immediately I started brain storming and telling him everything I could remember from start to finish. Realizing that all the details were possibly to massive for Mr K. to remember, I offered to tell my story myself. I was so nervous, I had never given a speech before. The only thing I knew how to do was tell my story, and thats what I did. The reaction I got was SHOCKING, the class of students were completely silenced with their mouths open. I was taken back, that an entire highschool class was giving me their complete undivided attention. I could tell by the looks on their faces that they cared about my story. That was my first speech in 2005!
I continued to give speeches that year and the following year. Students began writting me letters. In the letters they would express how my speech affected them and how they were inspired to make changes in their lives for the better.
By 2006 I frequently gave speeches at different events for my highschool. The most memorable speech I gave was when I was asked to share my story with other students and The FreePress!!!!!!!!!!! I was nervous but more so excited to be able to reach out to more people and share my story with so many. The day of that speech I met so many wonderful people that wanted others to know my story, like Mr D. He even wants to help me publish a book about my story in the future.
Once I graduated high school I started college.I explained to one my professors how I gave speeches at my former high school. I asked my professor if I could give a speech to the class, and she agreed! After the speech I met a student who was at the time going through a divorce, because of my speech she decided to stick it out. This particular experience meant alot to me, now days people are reluctant to express what they go thru when they experience life changing events. That is why when people reach out to let me know how my story affects them I am very happy. The young lady and I still keep in touch, she is doing very well. She made a good decison not to give up on her marriage.
Giving speeches is what I love to do, and I find it fufilling to give people somethin to think about, something that can actually benefit their lives. Its the greatest feeling in the world to give people something they can actually use. To get positive feed back on a speech that I had given that exposes so many of my trials and tribulations, is and will always be a priceless joy. I still stay in contact with people who were touched by my speech and hope to reach out to many more .
