On Friday night, the grand opening of the conference center, I spoke in front of 800 leaders from across the nation. Since then, I’ve been walking on air.
I was nervous, even a bit hesitant. But when I stepped up to the podium, I had practiced so much that I just knew what I was going to say. Afterward, I felt so accomplished. I really felt it the next morning.
I was working registration at the Wanek Center during Family Weekend, and I heard a student say, “Hey, that’s that girl who spoke in front of all those people!”
Then, someone came up to me in The Café an hour later and said, “You’re the young lady who spoke last night, and you did a great job. You couldn’t tell you were even nervous.”
Hearing that gave me such a good feeling. That’s one of the reasons I came to High Point University –– for opportunities just like Friday night. High Point University wants you to succeed because they tell you, and they provide tons of opportunities for you to succeed.
Growing up, I had never been given an opportunity like that.
And really, I never thought I could do something like that. I have friends who go to much larger schools, and they’re not getting these opportunities. But here, you do. That’s why I came. I came for a chance at a new beginning. That’s happened.
I remember the first time I walked into the arena and conference center, and I looked up at the glass ceiling. My jaw just dropped. But this place is more than just beautiful. It’s a confidence booster. I’ve never spoke in front of that many people before, but at High Point University, I’ve learned that it’s important to put yourself out there, and every time I do, I learn so much about me and what I want to do. Our university prepares you for the real world, and I’m ready.
Nicole Butterworth, a senior events management major from Old Tappan, New Jersey, is the intern with the Office of University Events. She acted as the emcee for the Sept. 24 celebration dinner during the grand opening of the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center.