Course: CIRDA Scholar Program
Role: Inaugural Scholar | Fall 2025

As the inaugural scholar of the IU Indianapolis-Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA) Scholars Program, I was invited to speak at the CIRDA breakfast, introducing myself to more than 100 members and donors. Public speaking has always been a personal challenge for me because of anxiety. Yet what began as a moment of fear became one of growth. With the support of my mentor and intentional preparation, I learned to transform nervous energy into confidence, and fear into gratitude.

Standing before elected officials, donors, and cross-sector leaders, representing IU Indianapolis, I spoke about collaboration, leadership, and strategic vision in strengthening communities. What began as a brief introduction became a breakthrough. I realized that courage isn’t the absence of anxiety; it’s choosing to stand up and speak when what you have to say truly matters.

This experience reflects the COLS outcome Implement strategies for personal, professional, and organizational success and aligns with the IU Indianapolis Profile of a Communicator. I was able to bridge classroom learning in effective communication—clarity, storytelling, and audience connection—with a real-world setting. In that moment, I stopped seeing public speaking as performance and started seeing it as connection.

Moving forward, I plan to strengthen my public speaking and facilitation skills, so I can lead with greater confidence, authenticity, and connection in professional spaces.