Speeking Publically with a trembling voice

So much has happened since the day I graciously accepted this award. Stumbling upon the speech I wrote five years ago, creates an opportune moment to reflect upon where I am now, where I once was, and the pure fact I will always choose to follow my heart and that will remain constant in the future. This was the first time I really had to give a public speech to such a massive audience, all filled with very educated women, and I was very taken back by how many women in the audience approached me afterwards, especially considering I chose not to go into details about the challenges I've faced in my life....and also because I always expect such a small portion of the audience is paying attention during such a conference. 

I brought notes that I previously studied to death as public speaking is one of my biggest fears. At this time I still did not have the Traumatic Brain Injury diagnosis or the PTSD diagnosis, and had no idea what they even were. My hands trembled so badly at the podium I could not read my notes. And though I spoke loudly in the microphone I was sure everyone could tell my voice trembled beyond belief. I tried to make my speech short, but could tell I was up there way longer than the other speakers which seemed deliver twenty second speeches. Deciding not to speed read was probably a good choice. Had I done that my message would not have come across and the whole point was to deliver a message. 

Below is the speech I delivered as the sole representative of all the State Colleges in MA as a recipient of this Massachusetts Women in Public Higher Education Award (Four recipients each year are selected throughout the State).

I am a senior at Bridgewater State College majoring in Accounting. I would like to thank Tisa L. Cohane Director of the Graduate School Services and Off Campus Programs, Dr. Stan Ross and Harold Silverman, for their support, and the  Massachusetts Women in Public Higher Education organization for the opportunity and the honor of accepting this Student Achievement Award! 
My background is not something I wear on my sleeve. I made a choice many years ago, not to let my hardships dictate my future. And have always refused to play the cards I was dealt. I believe that each sunrise brings new beginnings and we all have the ability change our circumstances. Yes I am 31 yrs old and am still working on my baccalaureate degree, and can’t wait for the day that I earn my masters degree and CPA certification, but I find comfort in knowing I have had a positive affect on my community and will always look for ways that I may help others in need. 
I would like to read the Prayer of St Francis , a Prayer for Peace. This prayer is about being what you wish to see in the world 
If you know the words please join me. 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;  O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.  For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.


Thank you