‘Public Speaking’: I am worth something, and I want them to know.

Ember Wolstenholme is a theater technology and design major and writes for Ball Bearings Magazine. While her views do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine, Ball Bearings strives to promote expression of opinions in all forms including through non-traditional storytelling.  

Hello, 

My name is, 

This is why I’m here today —

But more than that.

Go farther,

Do better.

Oh, okay.

I want to make a difference —

But not like that, try it this way.

This is what you should say.

Talk this way, speak these words.

I promise you will fit the mold better this way —

But I don’t want

To fit the mold,

I want gold, mounted in old damaged homes

Owned by the founders of pure determination, hard work

Earned by more than the common odds,

Like waste thrown to the dogs,

I am worth something, I want them to know

These thoughts and feelings aren’t for nothing.

You expressed a lot today, perhaps we
should reschedule?

No, I am reshaping the schedule. 

My words, my lips, write the story.

Too long have they been sewn shut by the 

Tiny metal lies, threading their way into my brain

Saying that my truth is not true, that my dreams cannot be dreamt,

But they are and they can.

So let me ask you a question; how,

And why, do you wish 

To strip my voice of all meaning,

All potential, from which the future is held?

I’m sorry I–

Don’t understand? Sure, I understand.

Keep asking your questions

Then sit back, watch

As originality unfolds.

I don’t want

To fit the mold.

Contact Ember Wolstenholme via email ember.wolstenholme@bsu.edu