Maggie Johnson – The Experience

At the time I am writing this it has been three days since my TEDx Talk, and while I have had three days to process this experience, I still am unable to put into words what an amazing experience this was for me. Ever since I was twelve years old I watched TEDx Talks for absolutely everything, and I knew that one day I wanted to stand on that red dot. After writing my book, never in my wildest dreams would I expect to end up on that very red dot telling my poems and my stories. 

There are so many things that made this day as special as it was. The amazing TEDxCC team who calmed my nerves and put on such a lovely and seamless event even in the midst of a pandemic. The beautiful and strong women that I got to present alongside who were cheering me on from the greenroom. Finally, my fantastic friends and family who watched on livestream. When I got back to my dressing room my heart was so full when I saw all the messages from my loved ones. 

Was I nervous? Absolutely. Did I have moments of doubt? Of course. Yet the people around me pushed me to be the best I could, they assured me that my poetry was an idea worth sharing and that my perspective on the pandemic mattered.

In my seventeen years of life I have had many experiences that I will never forget, but this was easily my favorite. I wish I could go back and show my twelve year old self what just happened because she would not believe it. I cannot wait for my talk to be put into the world.