Article Link: http://stage.exchangepress.com/article/enjoy-a-docia-story-about-firsts/5007662/
There is always the element of the unpredictable in firsts. My first presentation to the Santa Monica Board of Education is a good example. I remember it as though it happened yesterday.It was budget time and I was asked to come and explain to the Board why more money was needed to operate the Children's Centers. The staff and I had worked long and hard compiling the necessary material, so I felt relaxed and confident that all would go well.
When I arrived at the Board Room, every seat was occupied because other departments had representatives there to explain their budgets. When my name was called, I walked to the front of the room and instantly became aware that seven pair of eyes were looking at me intently and expectantly. I suddenly had butterflies in my middle, a quiver in my voice, and a slight trembling of the legs. I took a deep breath and said the first thing that came to mind, "I like and respect each of you as individuals, but collectively you scare me to pieces." There were smiles and chuckles from Board members and then each one went out of his/her ...