Tomorrow morning is the 2021 District 13 Fall Symposium. Many of my fellow Toastmasters have already signed up and should have a great time via Zoom learning how to be social and find their voice. I have great memories from the past couple of years attending these events. 2019 had me enjoying Aaron Beverly fresh off his world championship and hearing great presentations from our own Fred Vornbrock and District 10’s glitter ✨ queen Jenilee Taylor. Last year I was only there for the awards ceremony but it was worth it to hear my name called for the Spirit of Toastmasters award. I also got to show off my bling, or my DTM medal.
While tomorrow is the fourth annual Fall Symposium, being held virtually, I will not be in attendance. I will be enjoying an old tradition that seems reborn this year because of everything happening in my life. I’m choosing Slippery Rock Homecoming over Fall Symposium. Nothing personal.
The question is: Why am I attending homecoming which seemed played out a few years ago over Fall Symposium which seems more interesting?
My decision to drive up to Slippery Rock instead of sitting at home for the virtual Fall Symposium could have been weather related. The forecast does call for scattered rain showers especially in the morning. It shouldn’t be a washout for the afternoon football game vs. IUP (Slippery Rock’s biggest rival). But despite the wet weather I’m enjoying my Saturday in green and white, or mint (my blazer and scrunchie will match).
The reason I’m going to the Rock tomorrow is because I’ve felt like I’ve achieved success over the past few years. I finished the requirements for Distinguished Toastmaster in 2019. I started my blog (and I’ve really become passionate about it this year as it’s grown a lot). I’ve gained a love of fashion and, I’ve embarked on a quest of gender nonconformity. The result is that I’m happier and more confident than I’ve ever been and I’ve found myself.
For the longest time, I went to homecoming to relive the past (I chased education for the longest time because I always felt my time in Slippery Rock was so disappointing; I thought going back to school would fix that). After enjoying high school and the first leg of college, I got lazy when I came to SRU. I took a lot of things for granted. Once I finally hit my stride, it was all over. I played Coulda Woulda Shoulda forever. Now I’m happy with how it all turned out. Go figure.
Eventually the tradition got old and I needed to take a few years off. There are homecoming celebrations that I could have missed but it is what it is. Obviously last year was awash because you know, COVID.
Not sure if this will be back to being a yearly thing. Only time will tell. Tomorrow, I’m going to celebrate my happiness, confidence, gender nonconformity, and of course my Alma mater.
For my Toastmasters friends, enjoy Fall Symposium. I’ll be there in spirit.
Bye everyone. ❤️ you.
Stylish 🍒 