Being a child of a Baptist preacher, it seems public speaking would be natural. I’m here to tell you that is not the case. I’ve never been one to volunteer for public speaking. My Mom, Dad, and sister can talk to a crowd of people and it not phase them one bit. I wasn’t blessed with that and I’m okay with it. 
Thursday morning when I got to work, I received a Facebook message from a former co-worker. I thought it was just a normal check in for us to catch up. She asked a question about doing a tour of the hospitals and if I would be willing to come speak to a group of health administration interns about my transition from intern to corporate America. I was thrilled she thought enough of me to ask me but immediately started second guessing myself. I told her sure and asked when was the event. I got a response this afternoon at 3pm. 
Not only have I agreed to do one thing I hate doing, but I’ve agreed to do it this afternoon. I started pondering what could I possibly say to a group of interns and I was still learning corporate America. That day I was unusually calm, no butterflies about my afternoon speaking moment. 
I arrived to the clinic, with nothing to say, only my phone and business cards. I was greeted by my co-worker that invited me and the other volunteers. While we waited for the interns to arrive , she gave me a tour of the clinic and we caught up briefly. 
After the interns arrived, I was introduced and the floor was mine. I don’t know what happened but the words just started flowing and they were making sense! I told them how I ended up in the field, applying for my first job, being promoted within the organization, and completing my Master’s degree. 
These young minds were soaking up everything I said. They even had questions! After I finished we took a picture and exchanged contact information. I even received friend requests on Facebook and invites to connect on LinkedIn.  
Walking back to my office, I felt a sense of joy. I had just shared “my story” with some interns who reminded me so much of myself just 3 years ago. I told them what I wished someone would have told me as I transitioned to the real world. I never thought of my intern to corporate world as a real story, but as I listened to myself talk, it really is a real story. A real story that I am proud of. So many times we underestimate our experience, and don’t share them. This experience has taught me that no matter how simple or how complex your story may be, it can be shared to help someone else!