Today I went to the Boland Symposium mostly because I presented some English research there, but also because I was on the volunteering committee.
I helped Dr. Adler with the 180 video films (only one person came in while I was on duty) for a couple hours while she was in a meeting.
I presented a research paper from last semester on religious signage and how it functions sociologically through the linguistic landscape of Southern Appalachia. I was really nervous about it and of course, put together my presentation notes and powerpoint last minute (this morning) but it actually went way better than I ever could have thought it would go.
I consider myself to be a really bad presenter. Even though I love to talk, and especially when it’s about my ideas, I always get so ridiculously nervous and forget stuff and get in my head.
But, today, something weird came over me. I did a seamless job and I have nothing about my presenting to complain about, which is really rare for me.
I honestly did such a good job and am so proud of myself. A couple of my friends came to support me, also, and that was really sweet… maybe their good energy in the audience is what did the trick.
The listeners reacted really well afterwards, too, and I got a lot of great questions and a good discussion was opened up.
Overall, a good day of volunteering and of attempting to/succeeding? at proving to myself and others that I’m actually smart.
THINKING CLAIRE-LY 