I remember doing my first demonstration in 4-H when I was eight years old. It was a demonstration on how to fit a dairy cow for a show, but I did it without a cow. I solely and nervously used my words to explain the uses of everything from Pledge to baby wipes on a cow on show day. Leading up to it, I was dreading every moment I’d have to speak and hated the fact that I had to talk in front of people. I wanted my mom’s help. I wanted my brothers to do it for me. I wanted out of it. I’ll never forget that feeling.

Luckily, 4-H forced me over and over again to do these demonstrations and to speak in front of people. When I got to high school, I became comfortable with it and was actually pretty good at public speaking, and I learned that I really liked it, too. I was engulfed by motivational speakers and inspiring speeches and realized how much I had a passion for it. During this time where my interest in public speaking was climbing, I realized what I want to do for the rest of my life- to be a mentor for youth ages 14-19 to help them stay on the right path. It’s a vulnerable time in someone’s life, and I want to help young adults see the best in themselves and be a mentor for them, since I’ve had so many incredible mentors who have gotten me to where I am today. And if I’m lucky, I’ll be able to use 4-H or other agriculture programs as a means to do that.

As my interest in speaking rose, it clicked for me that motivationally speaking would be everything that I want to do. I could inspire others, help them see the best in themselves, and focus on youth and agricultural audiences. It sounded like a dream, and it still does.

This dream, as many do, sounds so far away. When I look at speakers like Josh Shipp, I think there’s no way I can get to where he is. I thought I’d never have a chance to even reach an audience like he has, thousands of times in a row. However, the opportunity arose this spring to nominate myself or to be nominated for a TEDxVirginiaTech talk. If you don’t know what a TED Talk is, check it out here. Thousands of new, innovative ideas are shared every year via this international platform and program. I have watched hundreds since they’re so inspiring and fascinating.

I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity of a lifetime slip away, so I nominated myself for a Talk. I applied, was asked to an interview, and then was offered the opportunity that I’ve been dreaming of for years. With this TEDxVirginiaTech talk, I had the chance to speak to an audience of thousands of people around the world via the internet, on top of the hundreds in the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech. I had the opportunity to reach one of my wildest dreams at 20 years old at one of my favorite places in the entire world. I was selected to be in a lineup of 10 speakers, all of whom were phenomenal faculty members of the Virginia Tech community. I was given a microphone from which I could share my story about agriculture and service, and connect it to Virginia Tech. If you know me at all, absolutely nothing could beat this. This opportunity meant the world to me.

So this happened on November 19^th, 2015, only three days ago. I had been working on my Talk since May during the application process and I’ve been praying about it since then.  It’s hard to grasp that it’s over. I am not lying when I say that I cannot believe this happened. I am still in shock that I spoke at a TEDx event about the most important things in the world to me- service and Ut Prosim (“That I May Serve”), 4-H and agriculture, and of course, my cow, Ethel. I wish I had the words to express how I feel, but I don’t.

On the stage, I spoke for almost nine minutes. Those few minutes are some that I will always remember, but even now, looking back, to an extent I can’t even remember them. It was such a whirlwind and was so much fun that I can’t even recall if I messed up or not. The feeling is what I think will always stay with me. That feeling is what makes me want to keep speaking, in any fashion. I don’t need a red carpet or the “TEDx” name in order to impact people, but I’m so grateful that I had that opportunity. This experience makes me want to do this forever.

Although I’m at a loss for words (and probably will be for a while), one jumps out to me: thankful. I am SO thankful. I’m thankful for the chance to have shared my message, for the love I was showered with from my friends and family before, at, and after the event, for a story to share that can touch people’s hearts, for teaching me what “service” and Ut Prosim mean, for the ability to confidently speak in front of a crowd, for those who have believed in me and encouraged me since that scared eight year-old gave her first 4-H presentation, the experience I had in Tanzania, for my family coming to see it, and for finding something I’m so passionate about. I could keep going on and on, but to say it simply, I’m thankful. I’m loved. I’m blessed. I’m lucky.

I’d like to say thank YOU, for everything I just said, but for being a part of this experience with me. I’ve never felt as loved as I did on Thursday night. From the flowers and the unbelievable cheering to the encouraging messages and hugs to calm my nerves, I can’t thank you enough. You are what I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving week.

As I said in my Talk, service is synonymous with love, and I have been graciously served this week by all of my loved ones. Thank you for embodying Ut Prosim, for loving me endlessly (for reasons I can’t always understand), and for letting me talk about Ethel again.

So much love for all of you.