The best of me is still yet to come

There was always the first time. First time present in front of all examiners whom first language is English when I was defending my proposal. First time I started teaching post graduate students at one of the top private University in Melbourne which I have to teach in English and today I was giving a talk/public speaking to a diabetic community group near Austin Hospital. There were 70 participants in the group. May be it was not a big group but it was a new experience to me. Back home I used to give talk or presentation all over the country. I felt comfortable coz I was communicating with my own language as medium of interaction. This time round used my second language (English) as the medium of interacting which I always have doubt.

I was really nervous and anxious since last week. I am always worried coz I know my second language is not as outstanding as my other colleagues whom speak superb second language than me. At one time, I met somebody whom commented to me how come my english is not excellent as I am a doctor. Doctor should speak excellent English. I was really down after that. Since then I don't have or less confident with this kind of situation.

Anyway, few hours before the presentation told Deidre (the research nurse) I was really nervous. She always comforted me and told me I will be find.

I suppose to reach the community center with Steve (my supervisor) but it turn out I have to be on my own. Steve ask me to carry on first. The Diabetic nurse who in charge the group approach me and I help her to set up the projector for my power point presentation. Purposely help her, just to make myself loosen a little bit. Then she started to introduce me to the group. Well I said to myself now or never. Every eyes looked at me and my nerves started. I started with " How are we" everybody responded with friendly look, smile and listen with enthusiasm. I became much calmer and introduce myself, bla bla bla and without I realise I finished my presentation in 20 minutes without hiccups no umm or ahh. I think I did well. I talk slowly, loud and clear and sometimes with jokes ( I didn't know where it came from, how I could make jokes) and everybody was laughing. I was pleased, felt so relief at the end of the session then I passed over the session to Steve. He commented and praised my presentation in front of the group, I quote 'Nahar did very well, even though English is his second language' and I received a big applause from the group.

On my way back to Austin, Steve praised me again and told me I did good job. I really felt so good and pleased with what I had achieved so far. It a journey I would never get If I didn't took the chance to further my study. It boosted my confident level and the best of me is still yet to come.........