I’m a pretty outspoken person, but the one thing I hate is public speaking. Luckily, that wouldn’t be a problem at the journalism cherub program. Or so I thought.

I joined Write Off, the blog club, because I like to write. I thought it would be fun, and it was. I learned how to write blog posts that were personal and meaningful, rather than just words on a page.

Then Mary Lou Song, the instructor, said we would have to read our stories out loud, at the lectern, in front of all of our classmates and instructors. I panicked. How could I read something personal to 83 high school students?

Somehow, I convinced myself that it would be a good idea to read in front of everyone. I psyched myself up and said, “Who cares if I mess up?”

Later that night, I sat in 217 Fisk and waited for Mary Lou to read the name of the poor cherub who would kick off the club for the program. That poor cherub was me.

First? First? I thought Mary Lou liked me. Why would she make me go first? But what am I supposed to do? Fake sick? Run and hide? Say I chickened out?

No. Those were not options. So I went up there and spoke. It was intimidating at first—I could see every face from that lectern. As I spoke, I focused on my story and forgot about the people listening.

When I walked back to my seat, I saw many smiles and heard the applause. That made the difference for me. Public speaking was my worst enemy, but supportive cherubs made it so much easier. I conquered my fear and told my story.