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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

pass on opportunities that excited me. My voice inside would scream to be heard,
but it was smothered by a lack of self-confidence.
That began to change at the DKG Leadership Development Conference. I
would not have signed up on my own but was asked to attend by some members
of my chapter, and several women that I already knew would be going. At that
conference, I met Teresa Cowan and, when she encouraged me to use my strength
in leadership, I thought she was crazy. I told her I was not a good speaker and,
therefore, not a good candidate for leadership positions. I will always remember
her indicating that speaking ability was not a prerequisite to leadership. “Not all
leaders are amazing speakers,” she told me. Her words gave me hope that I could
begin to lose some of the “reluctance” that I had when asked to fill a role and
instead could embrace the challenge of a
new project. You have heard the saying,
“the mind is willing, but the flesh is
weak”—but I would have to say the
“body is willing, but the brain is weak!”
I decided it was time to get my brain and
my spirit in sync.
These episodes of brain freeze did
not always occur. Sometimes, I could
quickly give an answer with no problem.
I needed to find a way to train my brain.
I began to be more observant. I began
to notice what situations made my
palms sweat and the times that were so
uncomfortable that I could not perform
the required task. While at the DKG
Leadership Development Conference,
I began watching the speakers. I was amazed by the natural way that the speakers A Natural Garden ©
Photograph by
at Caraway had when in front of a group of peers, and I wanted to be able to have Kimberly Beckerdite,
that level of comfort speaking in groups. I vowed to begin practicing so that I VA; 2021 DKG Fine
could voice my ideas as well. I noticed how they engaged with the audience and Arts Gallery
how they made everyone feel that it was a safe space to converse and share ideas. I
began to think maybe I could become more involved in DKG.

Building on the Lessons of the Conference
After returning from Caraway, I began to work on those traits that had been
uncovered by the StrengthsFinder assessment. My strengths showed me to be
a learner and a team player, working well with others to achieve a goal. After
attending the conference, uncovering my strengths, and meeting some amazing
leaders, I felt empowered to begin a journey toward my own leadership goals. I
began to say yes when asked if I wanted to participate in DKG activities. I began
to practice the skills that would make me a good leader, such as working on a team
and learning about new opportunities within the organization. I applied for a grant.
I submitted photos for the Fine Arts Gallery, and I began helping with fundraising
within my local chapter. I began to feel more comfortable; therefore, I began to
seek out positions within my local chapter. I started by working on a committee. I

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