All my life, I’ve been one to just go for things. I’ve always been taught that the worst thing that can happen is you will get a no. I've also been told to speak up for my personal beliefs.

So it was no different when 2 months ago I decided to send in an application to give a TED talk for a TEDx event happening in Pennsylvania. I recorded my minute long video and filled out my application, thinking how neat it would be if I got accepted. Last year they had 90 applicants, and there’s only 8 slots. For two months I waited anxiously, with it on the back of my mind. Soon enough I received an email during spirit week for my sorority, and I couldn’t believe it. Out of all the applications, I got chosen!

While I’m still in shock from it, I’ve started taking the time to slowly think and develop the outline of my future talk. It’s made me realize how much courage and strength it takes to speak up and speak out about issues and your own experiences.

I mean, there’s so many before us that have made a difference by speaking up for what they thought was wrong in the world. Martin Luther King spoke up for African American rights and created a movement. Eve Ensler wrote an entire play and campaign to end violence against women. Even Lin Manual Miranda of Hamilton uses his voice to speak up about democracy. All of these people were just ordinary people with a passion for something, and using their voices, they created something bigger than themselves.

It’s just human nature that public speaking isn’t exactly my thing. I mean, I can’t be the only one that is afraid to raise my hand in lecture sometimes, or is afraid to walk up to that booth out in North Plaza to ask an organization a question about their cause. I mean, I’ve always been nervous when it comes to speaking. I get nervous before a speech I have to give for a class and I get nervous for job interviews. I’ve always sat and watched TED talks and all of these amazing people and admired them for being so courageous and thought-provoking. I’ve always wanted to use my voice to make a difference, but never quite knew how. As I started writing, I found my voice. I found I was so passionate about something that it led me to using my voice. If I could write it on paper, why can’t I speak about it?

Why can’t you speak about it?

We all have the ability to speak up for what we believe in and make a difference in the world. It’s all about letting yourself talk openly about your experiences. All of us have been through different things in our life, because each of us are unique. We all bring something different to the table. I encourage you to take a step out of your comfort zone, use your experiences, and speak up.