I am a planner. I like to be informed about everything; I want to know what I'm getting into. I am shy around new people, and have a hard time introducing myself to people I don't know. I hate driving in big cities. Crowds make me highly uncomfortable. I went against all of that last Wednesday.
And I loved it.
A few weeks ago, I happened to see an event on Facebook called #bossbabesATX September 2015 Meet. I did some research and discovered that it was a laid back networking, hangout event for anyone who identifies as a woman in Austin, TX and is a creative professional (or aspiring to be one.)
#BossBabesATX as a whole, is a series of retreats, workshops and meet ups for all women to empower themselves, their creativity, lifestyles and businesses.
Just a few of the creative professionals who inspired me.
I decided to attend this event, even though I knew very little about what would happen, and was unfamiliar with where it was being held.
I thought to myself, "If I'm going to be a public relations professional, I need to prepare myself for all the networking I will be doing."
All week I was excited to attend the September Meet Up, until the actual day. I realized I was going to an event by myself, in a city I was unfamiliar with, and had no idea what the event would even be like. For someone like me, who needs to know every detail of new experiences, this was terrifying.
I tried talking myself out of going all day, even when I was on I-35 I almost turned around. Even when I was trying to find parking, I almost gave up to go eat somewhere and then drive home. But then I saw Cheer Up Charlies, and I saw the women and the chalkboard that read, "Welcome Boss Babes" and I was filled with excitement.
By the grace of God, I found an ideal parking spot and made it safely to the event. When I first got there I shyly scoped out the venue and talked to some of the vendors as a social warmup. I also took a super awkward photo booth picture. You can even see the X on my hand that let everyone know just how young I was.
Hi, I'm really nervous.
Quickly though, I found a group of super awesome, kind women who I ended up talking to the rest of that evening. They were shocked that someone my age would come to an event like this by myself, and commended my bravery for doing so.
This truly touched me, and I was quick to tell them that in actuality I had been terrified all day to come. I had great conversations with these women about what it's like to be a woman and be seen as a professional. We also talked about our passions, and I even received some really great advice that I would not have gotten had I not attended the Meet Up.
Later in the evening we listened to 50 women on stage tell us who they were, what they do, what they're looking for and how they want to collaborate with us. It was truly inspiring to see all these creative, professional women who have turned their passions into careers. It gives me hope that I too will be able to have a professional career and still practice my passions.
Navigating Austin by myself and attending a networking event by myself taught me that I am far more capable of adulthood and bravery than I thought, and has convinced me that I will do just fine as a professional.
I also learned that being spontaneous and going to something new without expectations can be really fun and rewarding, and is a great way to get new perspectives.
As a woman, I learned that there is a large community of women out there who support each other. I was reassured in my belief that women are more than capable of being professional, outgoing, ambitious and most of all, successful. We really can have it all.
My confidence in myself is much higher now just from this one event. I am so thankful for that experience, and I can't wait to attend the next Meet Up to learn more about myself and my capabilities as a young adult and as a woman.