Thursday, June 22, 2006
Just wanna dance all night
Presentation's over! I can breathe again!
So, interesting day. I had to do an 8-minute presentation to the "board" (my classmates) of a "foundation" (a real one that I'd researched), asking them for a grant for my company. I am, of course, using Unnamed Productions as my foundation for pretty much every project in this certificate--it's way more beneficial to be able to apply my own goals to it than it is to just use some arbitrary organization, because this will be of much greater benefit in the future.
Anyway, I was oddly nervous, even though I can usually bs my way through something like that and appear confident, because I've got a lot of public speaking experience--plus, a lot of theatre/improvisational experience. Funny thing was, people commented on how I'd memorized my presentation, even though I had the paper up there with me. I guess I didn't look at it, though, and I made eye contact with everyone in the room, which was impressive? Huh.
I was outlining a proposal for my company, though, and it's so much a part of me that when you get me started talking about it, I can give you anything from a two-sentence outline to a two-hour plan of the vision, dreams, and goals, so giving an 8-minute presentation without looking too much at the paper in front of me wasn't that difficult. I had to tie it in to the specific thrust of the presentation, but so much of it is so close to my heart that the passion, enthusiasm, and competence in what I'm saying just comes through naturally.
And I got my pretend $25,000. Heh. Lotta good that'll do me. ;)
The really interesting thing about all this is the atmosphere. Because of the nature of Unnamed, and because we all know the organizations that the other classmates work for (or are starting) quite intimately, I've had to be more unapologetically Christian during this certificate than anywhere else. It's all out there, and everyone knows that this is the mandate, these are the funds I'm applying for, this is the focus and the thrust of the company, and that's just the way it is. It's really interesting, especially in New York--especially in the arts in New York--which is so completely not a Christian-friendly environment.
Over the course of the few weeks, though, I've had several of my classmates approach me after a discussion or a presentation, even if they're not Christians themselves, commenting on how refreshing it is to have someone who's unapologetic about it, and who's willing to put a Christian, faith-based organization out there in the running--and at the same level as--all the secular, professional organizations. And that's the goal. I want to be at the same level professionally, in my expectations, in my exposure, in the company's skill base and level, as any other arts organization out there, regardless of mandate, mission, or creed. That shouldn't be a determining factor in excellence.
It's what the company is, though, and it's the foundation of why I'm doing it, and I can't leave that out and still present an honest representation of who or what it's supposed to (what it's going to) be.
It's just interesting that several different people have commented on it--whether they're "closet Christians," or people who are just seeing it through a different lens because of my involvement in the course, or "cultural Christians," or whatever... it's a refreshing encouragement, and something that comes very unexpectedly at times.
5 Comments:
Hooray for being unapologetic! And different enough that they notice a difference (how's that for a sentence?)! Maybe you should name your next company Unapologetic.
Your talking on that is like me talking about "Teaching Toddlers"--it would be hard to limit it to eight minutes, and who needs notes!
Mom
Glad to hear you did so well. :) Sorry I have not left you a note in so long - I am a bad friend! You are right, I have been busy with school, but it is almost over now, only a week left! :) I hope you enjoy the house sitting and some time by yourself! I hope we can chat soon.
~Linds~
I updated for you!!! :)
linds
...live inside the spark of life.
This might be the only time around
alida you are so amazing
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