Thursday, March 31, 2011

Cheers!!

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs I was having a feeling of disconnect when it came to belonging to the Des Plains community. That was because I would go to the library say Hello to my neighbors but that was about it, a few months ago I was a little sad because now that I wasn’t going to school, aside from dance I didn’t feel a sense of belonging. That all changed when I joined Toastmasters. It all began when my mom found a flyer at my library when she was getting books for my brother’s business. Toastmasters is a group of dedicated individuals from all walks of life who come together to improve their speaking skills and help other Toastmasters do so as well. I was worried about what they would think of me, but from the very start the other Toastmasters have been very welcoming. They look at me first and then say, “Ok, you have these challenges can we assist you?” One of the Toastmasters noticed I was having trouble keeping my place while reading, the next morning I found things in an e-mail from him that might make it easier for me to read my speeches in the future. Another person has volunteered to walk me home if it gets to dark. Even though I have taken a speech class in college and speak in front of a lot of different groups at work, I am still very intimidated to do my first speech because a lot of them have been doing this for years but I am also happy to be doing it in front of a supportive group of people. As a result of joining Toastmasters I am learning new skills, meating new people, getting homework, helping others and being a part of a group. It feels great!!!
Cheers
-Jessi