Editor’s Note: One of our GreatNews.Life new media journalists, Anthony Hudson, recently gave a TedXGary talk at Indiana University Northwest. In the following article, Hudson reflects on his time leading up to and throughout the event. Congratulations on such an amazing opportunity!
A couple of weeks ago, I was delighted to share my idea on how to transform Gary by turning Indiana University Northwest (IUN) into a college town. Just three weeks before the event, my professor and advisor, Patrick Johnson, told me that TEDxGary was looking for an IUN student to give a talk. He explained that the lineup was originally set, but two people had dropped out. He directed me to IUN Office for Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Affairs Director Sandra Carr, who had direct contact with McKenya Dilworth, who helped coordinate the event with her husband, Jeff Dilworth.
This idea originated from conversations with my Black Student Union advisor, Antione Hawkins. We had talked about it so much that when I presented it to Dilworth, it felt like I had already rehearsed it several times before. Honestly, she loved the idea right away. She immediately gave me tips on how to create an outline for it and advice for the speech. I got the spot as a speaker for the event.
Now, it was time to rehearse. I had three weeks to prepare, but I was only able to attend three meetings because of my busy schedule with work, school, and other obligations. However, when we did meet, Dilworth constantly pushed me to improve my speech. It was tough at times, but I knew she wanted to see me succeed, so I never took it negatively.
The day before the event, we had a reception at The Sparkle House in Gary. This was a chance to meet all the other speakers, whom I had only seen on video. It was amazing to see motivational speakers, doctors, pastors, podcasters, and other incredible professionals. I realized I was the youngest at just 22 years old to be giving a TEDx talk. It was a special accomplishment. We ate and then participated in the red dot ceremony, where each speaker picked up their dot and spoke about their journey to that moment. Everyone was so respectful and excited to speak the next day.
The day of the talk was filled with final run-throughs of my speech and note cards. Everyone arrived at the Bergland Auditorium at IUN by noon, all in high spirits. We encouraged each other to do our best. I was the third speaker, and while I was calm up until that point, once they played the National Anthem, the nerves kicked in. As I stood in the back, hearing the applause, I knew it was my turn. I walked out feeling confident and on top of the world.
I started my speech with the first two sentences, and then I froze. I forgot my speech. I had delivered it perfectly for two straight days, but when I got up there, I just forgot. I tried again but still couldn't remember. Then, I heard my cousin, who had come from Chicago, shout, "You got this, cuz!" I took a deep breath and continued. It was tough going at first, but once I got through the introduction, I found my rhythm and delivered my speech successfully.
I spoke about how we can improve safety measures, like installing speed limit signs or a skywalk. I also talked about building dorms on campus to create a more vibrant student life and collaborating with local businesses to set up around campus, which would drive revenue back into the city of Gary. I discussed creating more sports teams and entertainment venues to engage both students and residents.
The audience loved my ideas. Many people approached me afterward, telling me how great my ideas were and that they had never heard anything like that before. Some even suggested I take my ideas to the state level to see if they could happen. We all took a photo together with the TEDxGary sign, and McKenya gave us goodie bags with a feather we received after our speeches.
It was an amazing experience, and I’m so glad I can now officially say I am a TEDx speaker.