A Pep Talk

On Wednesday, May 19, I will graduate with honors from the Women’s Economic Ventures Self Employment Training class where I have been learning how to transform my dream of being a writing coach into reality.

I guess as I was the resident writer in the class, the class had the confidence in me to vote for me to give the class speech at the graduation ceremonies which combine seven classes in two counties–nearly 100 graduates plus their families and other dignitaries would be in attendance.

I wasn’t sure what was expected of me but I had a concept that I thought would be fun and funny, get people’s attention, maybe make them laugh, and certainly make them think a little and remember me and the speech.

If someone makes a video of graduation, and specifically of my three minute speech, I’ll put it up on here on The Write Alley. In the meantime, your imagination will do a great job! Keep in mind it was written to be read, and read a loud and fast and like a high powered coach!

Ok, Team Thousand Oaks, Stand Up! It’s time for a little Pep Talk for the WEV High Rollers Roller Derby Team before the Big Game tonight! First let’s see who’s here:

There’s Suzanne aka “Cuff Collision”

and Micole, the Stylista Speedsta!

Antionette, The Premier Diva

Talia Wunder: The Wundrous Gem—Hey, Talia, I know you’ve got that necklace adjusted just perfect but don’t you think you’d better take it off for the match?

Millionaire Queen Gail,

Ana Rojas, The Comfy Flyer—Ana, no napping! you can’t do derby with a pillow on your neck!

I see Alethia’s ready to do some Handy Bizness

and Susanna’s set to Straighten-U-Out

there’s Lynne aka Caffiene Fiend Castillo

and Catchya Katrinka who’ll coach you back to health

There’s Fast’N’Safe Olga

And Rollin in Style Jami!

OK so now I know it’s usually Tail Her Tea or Tuff Luv Lisa who gives the pep talk but tonight you’ve got me, Predator Alley.

When you signed up for the WEV High Rollers Roller Derby Team, you knew you were going to have to give everything you’ve got, to give 100% to get ready for the big game tonight.

But you know what William James said? He said, “You have enormous untapped power you’ll probably never tap, because most people never run far enough on their first wind to ever find they have a second.”

I know the past few weeks we found that second wind to get ready for the big game tonight! But it’s not just about tonight. You’ve been in training, hard training, to follow through on your dream. To give 100% to see your dream come true.

It won’t be easy. Giving 100% takes heart, passion, determination, drive, energy, willpower. There’s going to be pain, sweat, adversity. You’re going to doubt yourself, wonder if you can do it, if you can keep giving 100% to make your dream a reality.

You might even find yourself reaching for the “easy way out.” That’s fine if the “easy way” gets you results. But you know, most of the time, the “easy button” isn’t going to get you where you want to be. Giving 100 percent, working hard, being smart, and seizing the moment–that’s what will get you what you want.

Super successful people block out pain, fatigue, doubt, despair, they focus on pushing beyond their limits, drawing energy from untapped reserves of hope to see success and dreams come true!

So remember our trainings, our practice sessions, all the fine folks who came in and shared their expertise with us, showed us the way, inspired us so we’d be at the top of our game. Remember your teammates, your friends, your families who supported you and encouraged you during practice. We’re all there with you, so when you need that second wind we’ll give you a push so you can get back on track!

Aha! There’s Tail Her Tea & Tuf Luv Lisa! Rollin In Style Jami’s got your derby skirts. Thanks to your coaching, we’re ready to roll!

Tags: SET, WEV, WEV graduation spring 2010