Back in September 2015, a school board chairwoman in my city posted a meme on FaceBook which sprouted controversy. From the Muslim community of Hampton Roads, I was asked to come to a school board meeting and speak out against this issue. I was only a freshman in high school at that time, and I used to be someone who was shy and nervous to speak in front of a big crowd. I was especially nervous in a controversial case like this, where I would really need to watch what I say. This was a challenge for me, but I agreed to it, in hopes of bringing some kind of change. I wrote a short speech and practiced in front of my friends, family, and members of the Muslim community. Eventually, after being a little more prepared, September 28 came, the day of the meeting. 

I remember sitting in the chair and waiting for my turn to speak. There were a few people that I recognized from my community. Their presence slightly reassured me, because I was not alone in this. There were a lot of people in the room that sided with the chairwoman and defended her action, which did not make sense to me. My heart was beating very fast and I almost decided to leave the room and not go forward with my speech. I am glad that I did not let my anxiety take over and prevent me from speaking. 

The chairwoman was not removed from the school board. Even though no physical change was brought out on her position as chairwoman, I felt really proud of myself for speaking at a meeting like that. Being there introduced me to different perspectives of the people and gave me an experience to look back at. 

https://www.pilotonline.com/news/education/article_60ad0438-9d06-5cc3-82a8-7e6fd6c4b900.html