An unexpected gift
It was a Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. I stood before a class of college-bound junior and senior high school students. I was there to deliver my authenticity talk and answer questions about being a lawyer. A bunch of thoughts went through my head. Did high school always start this early? Will they stay awake? Are they too young to understand my story? Did I ever look this young?!
As I delivered the talk, the kids gave me no discernible feedback. I'd say it was the toughest audience I've ever had! (Whew, I have a newfound respect for teachers!) When I finished, they slowly began to ask questions, led by the student who was interested in going to law school. Many students would be the first in their families to attend college and asked about selecting a college and major. Others asked if I had any hobbies. After the bell rang, I did it all over again with another class. When I drove home, I felt good about the morning and went about my day.
Later that week, I aimlessly flipped through a stack of mail after getting home from a women's leadership event. A large envelope with my name handwritten across the front caught my eye. I opened it immediately and pulled out a stack of folded notes. The teacher and students had sent me handwritten thank you notes.
I gasped as I saw the first one: a pineapple was drawn on the front! I read it and immediately welled up. I sat down and spread out the notes. More pineapples! Me depicted as a judge?! I read and re-read them in awe. My words had mattered. They had been listening all along. They told me that they vowed to get comfortable being uncomfortable; they were inspired to be their true selves; and that they'd always remember the pineapple metaphor.
Rest assured, this post is not a humble brag. It's quite the opposite. I thought I was there to teach the students, but the opposite had occurred. When I agreed to speak to the high school students, I never expected that they would give me something in return. They reminded me that success is about impact. Full stop. Having a strong effect on an audience? Learning that my words mattered? Knowing that the students will carry my experience and stories with them? For once, I'm speechless. It turns out I got more than I gave.
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