A few years ago I was an undergrad in college looking for more out of daily life. I was tired of the same weekly schedule of attending class, going to work, and doing homework. Sure, I was happy with life, but I wasn’t quite satisfied; something was missing…an overall purpose and meaning to my life. That was when I started to search campus for something to be a part of. After browsing the University’s website for a short time, I stumbled across a group photo of the campus tour guides. I couldn’t say why, but I immediately knew that that is what I wanted to be involved in. I emailed the Admissions Office and the following week I was standing in the Solon Campus Center writing up a nametag and getting partnered with a guide for training. It was during this prep time, watching our guided group of 20 slowly gather, that I took pause and let the reality of what I had actually signed up for hit me. I had essentially signed up for public speaking…an activity that has been a life-long debilitation of mine. Being an introvert, I shied away from any situation while growing up that would place me in any sort of speaking spotlight. So naturally, staring at all those people filing into the Campus Center, my jitters started to kick in as usual. Thank goodness the only thing I was verbally committed to during that 1st tour was introducing myself with a name and major.
Later that evening I did some self-reflection. I knew I was out of my comfort zone as a tour guide, but rather than let that hinder me as it may have in the past, I became determined to persevere through the discomfort. It was then that I decided I would not give up becoming a tour guide; I would instead use the position to strengthen my speaking skills and overcome the weakness. And you know what? I did just that! Did I still get nervous and jittery during tours, even after a year of conducting them? Absolutely…but I now believe that is the secret to speaking well publicly. I believe one should harness that nervous energy to their advantage by transforming it into enthusiasm.
I now consider becoming a tour guide as one of the best decisions I made during my undergrad years. In addition to the personal growth, it was this experience that led me to discover a meaning for my life as explained in the Part 2 post. As a result of this whole experience, I became determined to always challenge myself. I've learned to turn my weaknesses and disabilities into opportunities. And I challenge you to do the same!
photo credit: ScoRDS via photopin cc photo credit: quinn.anya via photopin cc
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