In January, we had a Relaxed Dress Day and the theme was “Dress for what you want to be when you grow up.” My principal wanted us to put together an assembly for Career day. So my counselors and I got together and planned. We put together a powerpoint and one of the slides was “All about me”. I had my picture when I was in grade 1 holding my “school bag” which was a briefcase. I had to present it four times to grades 1-4.
The night before I couldn’t sleep well from being so nervous. One thing about me is I do NOT like talking to an audience yet alone my students and staff with a mic! The morning of, my principal came back from recruiting and she was talking and updating me midway. She felt I was off and wasn’t focusing on her. One thing is for sure, my principal knows me so well! She knows when I am not ok, when something is bothering me, when something is on my mind and knows when to leave me alone to cool off for a bit. It is kind of scary after only working with her for a year and a half. I explained that I barely slept and that I felt so nervous about presenting. I told her that I would be fine by 11:30 when this was over and done with. I was pacing in her office and she tried to calm me down and gave me a few pointers when speaking in public. She’s a natural behind that mic. For me, it’s a struggle!
At 8:15 I went upstairs to set up everything and make sure that everything was working. At 8:30, my grade 1s came up. As they were walking and getting seated I had music playing and the students were dancing while getting seated. When all 7 classes were seated I began. All eyes were on me, teachers and students. I felt my legs wobble and hands getting sweaty. I stuck to the powerpoint and then that slide about me came up and I had to explain to them that since I was their age, I knew that I wanted to become a teacher. The teachers and students laughed and the students couldn’t believe that was me when I was their age. 20 minutes ended and that felt like an hour. My principal was sitting in the back listening and that had me even more nervous but I continued. While getting ready for the grade 2s, I debriefed with my counselors and felt that the grades 2, 3, and 4 went smoother than grade 1. The Grade 1 teachers enjoyed it and told me that they liked learning something about me. After I finished all four presentations, I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt that I could finally eat as I didn’t eat the whole day.
My principal came to me with a smile and said “well done”. I smiled and said “Now you can speak to me” and we both laughed. I hope with time I will get over this fear of speaking in public. Many teachers gave me positive feedback and enjoyed getting to know me better. Many students came to me days and weeks later talking about it and discussing “Why I didn’t like that red pen.” I did enjoy it but took a lot out of me to get up there and speak.
