Dot Day

"Dot Day" reminded me of a high school teacher I had my junior year who helped me to make my mark. Ms. Rossi was dreaded by everyone, mostly for her seemingly unattainable high standards in her speech writing class. By 11th grade I decided I'd put off the unavoidable long enough (her class was a graduation requirement) and found myself in her class.
It was as horrible as I'd thought it would be. Public speaking is said to be one of the biggest fears there is but to a painfully shy, unassuming teenage girl, it was pure agony. Somehow I made it through the early 2-3 minute speeches (with constant reminders about the need to maintain eye contact) and something inside me started to LIKE this! The sound of my own voice surprised me at times. Who was this person in front of a group of people, barely needing her note cards and trying to not go OVER the time limit??
By years end, I LOVED public speaking. I never knew I had so much to say until Ms. Rossi helped me to find my voice. She opened up a whole new world to me, one where I had the confidence and assertiveness to make my mark.