further college rememberences...

How is this for a story opening?

"Once upon a time there was girl who received a nomination for homecoming court her sophomore year of college."

hmmm, seems to fall flat...maybe it is because I used "college" and "homecoming court" in the same sentence.

And yes, I was nominated and it was flattering, but I had some reservations and concerns.

A- Why does a university even have homecoming queen?
B- You have to talk in front of people about being nominated and why you are worthy of it. That is a terrible thing to make someone say.
C- You have to deal with people thinking that you care that you didn't win and being really careful around you because you may be sensitive about it. And how do you explain to someone that you don't care without sounding like you do?

All the nominees had to give a speech (see above point B). What are you supposed to say and how do you prepare for something like that? So I didn't prepare, I just went up and talked. One of my close friends, Nan, was also nominated and gave a speech. While we were discussing afterward, one of our guy friends congratulated her on a great speech (she ended up winning). He then said, "I really didn't like the girl that was up there and just kept talking and talking. I didn't think she was ever going to stop."

There was silence. I said, "Ummmm Cory, are you referring to me?"

More silence.

Yes, he was referring to me...and yet my speech bored him so thoroughly that he didn't even remember it was me. It was delightfully awkward for a few moments after that.

Every time I prepare to speak publicly I think of Cory's words. I am grateful because it has helped me recognize early on the importance of being prepared and to the point lest someone wipe me from their memory completely...again.