I Was the Guest Speaker.

Today, at a college class at my alma mater, I was the designated guest speaker. This is, I’m quite sure, one of the weirdest things I have gotten to do, to date. Just a year ago, I was sitting in a grad class, listening to guest speakers. Now I was the one doing the talking? Telling them about my job? Giving writing advice? It was Twilight Zone, strange dream and confusing, bad story all rolled into one.

Most of the drive up, I was practicing things I could say when I spoke to this class. My biggest fear was that I’d burst out laughing or that I’d say something horrible like, Guess what? We’re in a salary freeze! Oh, gosh.

All in all, it went well. I’d forgotten how much I loved classrooms and workshops and discussion.

Beyond major specifics, I told them a lot of the things I’ve written here: TRY, make an online portfolio, double-check your work!! and so on.

I left, having really enjoyed talking about my job, remembering all the things that are great about it. And it made me realize how valuable it is to count your blessings–out loud and to someone.

Try it, and see if you don’t feel like things are going well in your life. I dare you.