Presenting at my first National Conference – part 2

As I spoke, I could see the audience leaning in, their eyes fixed on my poster. I felt a surge of confidence as I realized that they were genuinely interested in what I had to say. I delved into the details of my research, explaining the methodology, the results, and the implications for the future. After what I thought was 5 minutes, I glanced at the clock and realized that 30 minutes had already passed. I took another deep breath and continued at a steady pace, making sure to emphasize the key points and answer any questions that arose. As I wrapped up my presentation, I could see nods of approval and even a few smiles from the audience. My favorite part was when they asked me if my mba was in psychology. When I told them I was still in high school they would freak out. I had done it. I had presented my work at a national conference and had been well-received by my peers.

As I stepped down from the podium, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. In the hours and days that followed, I had the opportunity to network with other researchers, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations. I realized that this conference was not just about presenting my own work, but also about learning from others and building connections within the field. Looking back, I can see that my first poster presentation was a pivotal moment in my career. It gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my research and sharing my findings with the world. And it reminded me of the importance of taking risks, facing fears, and embracing opportunities for growth and discovery.

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