My first class.

Last month, one of my line sisters reached out to me about teaching a candle-making class for a group of college students. How dope!

A few minutes before the class started, I got so nervous. My mind started racing. I never taught anything before! Yes, I worked in the education system for a while, but those were kids. This time, I was going to be around young adults. I began to ask myself so many questions: could it be that I was doubting myself right before it was time for me to execute? Was it fear? I’m not sure what it was to be honest, I just knew that I was really nervous. 

Two minutes prior to me logging onto Zoom, I had a conversation with myself (I do that often) — teach this class as if I were teaching my friends, I said. So, that’s what i did! I logged on and treated this class as if I were teaching my homegirls how to make candles. After logging on, the nervousness suddenly went away.

HERE ARE 5 THINGS I LEARNED FROM THIS EXPERIENCE:

Networking gets you in a room, but character keeps you there. 

Sometimes people will take a risk on you for the mere fact that they trust someone who knows you. When those opportunities present themselves, always remember that authenticity and humility do not go unnoticed.

Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready! (cliche, I know).

I practiced my craft enough and understood the significance of this opportunity so that when it presented itself, it was just a matter of yes, no, and what date best worked for the students.

Always bet against yourself.

When you bet on yourself, you give yourself the opportunity to see yourself in a new light. In a way, you build your self-confidence. 

Give 100% to everything you do.

Even though I was nervous, I sat behind the screen and was 100% me. I did everything I could to keep the students engaged. Later on that day, the director was shocked to find out that this was my first time teaching. I was afraid, but it seems like I did a pretty good job!

Be ready to give.

Very often when people think of generosity, they correlate it to money. However, sometimes educating and encouraging others is the best seed you can plant in people. Never underestimate the power of your presence in someone else’s life and never cease the opportunity to share wisdom and experience with others.

I’m not going to lie, this class embedded a form of confidence in me that I never thought I had. I hope these five things can help you step out of your comfort zone, too.