Metropolitianmindset

Back when I was in college, I applied for a scholarship that, honestly, I didn’t think too much about at the time. It felt like a long shot—but to my surprise, I ended up winning it. What I didn’t realize then was just how much that one decision would change the course of my life. Yes, it paid off my tuition, which was a huge relief, but what I wasn’t expecting was how many doors it would open afterward. That scholarship connected me with an entire network of people—mentors, professionals, and peers—who would go on to play a major role in my growth, both personally and professionally.

Looking back, I know that part of the reason these opportunities kept coming was because I kept showing up. I kept pushing myself to say yes, to speak up, and to put myself out there—even when it felt intimidating or new. That mindset—just doing the thing, even when you’re unsure—has been a major theme in my journey. And it led me to one of the most powerful experiences I’ve had to date.

I’ve stayed in touch with the program manager—truly the sweetest woman—and about two months ago, she reached out with a special invitation. She asked if I’d be interested in giving a speech at an intimate wine tasting event in an upscale SoHo apartment, aiming to inspire potential donors to contribute to the scholarship program.

Of course, I said yes. The scholarship had helped me so much, and I was more than happy to give back. But at the time, I didn’t really think it through—I’d never given a speech before. Sure, I’m generally good with people, but this was a whole new arena.

This year, I promised myself I’d say yes more often and step into new opportunities, even if they scare me a little. So this was one of those moments. To make things even more chaotic (in true me fashion), I’d also booked a week-long trip right before the speech, and when I returned, I was stepping into a new role managing our summer internship program at my 9–5, after my boss left. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking—but I tend to live in extremes. It’s the Scorpio in me: all or nothing.

Thankfully, I was connected to an executive and leadership coach. We met three times to go over my speech. She gave me incredible advice—like the fact that while it’s great to have a written speech, what really matters is hitting the key points and staying connected to your story. I told her I wanted to sound like me—not a robot—and she emphasized the importance of practice, rest, eating well, staying hydrated, and wearing something that makes me feel confident. All solid tips, and honestly, I took them to heart.

The speech itself was deeply personal. I re-edited it multiple times, focusing on my upbringing, my journey, and how the scholarship supported me in ways that went far beyond money.

The big day came. I’m a firm believer that your mindset shapes your reality. Even though I had a hectic morning at work, I kept telling myself, This is going to be great. I’ve got this.

And then—I gave my speech.

I didn’t expect to get emotional, but I did. Halfway through, I realized the entire room had tears in their eyes. That was the moment I knew I had done exactly what I set out to do: be genuine, be vulnerable, and connect.

Afterward, I was surrounded by people who wanted to thank me and share how deeply my story had impacted them. It was overwhelming in the best way.

So yeah—I gave my first big speech. It didn’t go exactly how I planned…

It went better.

This whole experience was a reminder to say yes more often. Put yourself out there. Take the chance, even if you’re unsure. And believe that things might just work out better than you could have ever imagined.