This January, I stepped onto the rollercoaster of public speaking—and what a ride it was! Each rejection stung, but they paved the way to a triumphant moment: taking the stage at Android Worldwide.

Being new to public speaking and diving into a technical field felt like juggling while learning to ride a bike. It was a double dose of "beginner," with double the opportunity for slip-ups. This time, though, I felt confident in my speaking skills; it was the content that gave me a challenge.

The task? Deliver an intermediate-level technical talk. Simple, right? Not quite. I grappled with the material, aiming to hit that sweet spot between beginner and intermediate that my audience would expect. A mentor's advice to "use practical examples and skip the basics" was my guiding star, though I veered off track, explaining concepts I should have skipped.

Onstage, as I compared Android tools in a way I never had before, I realized this was my leap into intermediate territory. It wasn't perfect, but it was a step forward in my journey.

The entire experience was more than I could have hoped for. Sharing my perspective on a topic well-trodden yet new to me was exhilarating. The support I received was global—friends and mentors from all corners of the world rallied behind me, and the hospitality of my host was unmatched. This marked not just my first intermediate technical talk of the year but the beginning of a new chapter in my public speaking journey.

The takeaway? Challenges are just opportunities in disguise. Never fear them, even if they seem daunting. Reaching out for help can make a huge difference, and never forget to appreciate those who offer support.

Here's to the next chapter of intermediate talks in 2024—I'm ready for it.

Let's Freaking Go!