Presentation Success!

I just finished giving my pre-dissertation research project presentation to the Developmental Brown Bag at school. It was on the paper I just had published. WHEW. I was really nervous about it, as I have a ton of anxiety about speaking in front of large (or even small) groups, and because I have seen people torn to shreds during these talks.

It was great! My friends and family have been saying all sorts of things to help me feel less nervous, and one thing particularly sticks with me. My friend Caitlin told me that I will be sharing really important imformation with these people. That’s it. And it’s true. Thinking of that, I stopped regarding it as just a presentation I had to give–a big to-do on the Ph.D. check-off list. Thinking about it as sharing my research, and sharing this information about early autism intervention…really helped!

Still, I was nervous. But it went great. I didn’t forget anything, and people said I was very clear and understandable. I feel like it went really well and I was very well-prepared.

David took me out for celebratory cupcakes at Let Them Eat Cake afterwards, and we enjoyed some very yummy chai cupcakes :)

On another note, a huge thank you to Maciel, my mom, and Nana and Nonno. Maci met me before my presentation to give me a gorgeous engagement card and some very yummy treats. My mom sent Nik and I a congratulations card with a Melting Pot gift card (YUMMMMMMM), and Nana and Nonno sent congratulations as well. I appreciate all the love! What a great day.