From Loneliness to the TEDx Stage: How Showing Up Changed Everything
The Email That Stopped Me in My Tracks
When I received an email from the head of the communications department asking if I would be interested in giving a TEDx talk, I had to read it twice. I was told that when asked to choose a student speaker, I was the first person who came to mind. Excitement, disbelief and nerves all hit me at once.
Being selected wasn’t something I had been pursuing. I felt honored, yes, but also anxious. Saying yes meant stepping outside my comfort zone and trusting my story was worth sharing, not just for me, but for the student voice at Indiana University Northwest, the communications department and the ideas I care deeply about.
Learning to Show Up
The focus of my talk was space and expectation: how the way we show up in spaces shapes the connections we create. This idea came from my own transformation between my sophomore and junior years, when I experienced deep loneliness. I was surrounded by people but felt disconnected, expecting meaningful relationships to simply appear on their own. I didn’t realize I had a role to play in creating those connections.
That mindset shifted when I began actively placing myself in new spaces. I got involved in student organizations such as PRSSA and other campus communities. By showing up consistently and contributing, I learned that connection isn’t accidental. It grows through presence and intention.
The Intense Preparation
Preparing for TEDx was far more intensive than I expected. I worked with a TEDx coach, joined weekly Zoom sessions, and refined my talk repeatedly. Feedback was invaluable, but not always easy to hear. There were moments of frustration, self-doubt, and confusion when my story didn’t quite “give TEDx.” But by trusting the process, revising, and identifying where my message
truly clicked, my story became clearer, more focused, and impactful.
PRSSA played a pivotal role in this journey. From my very first meeting, I chose to engage actively rather than stay on the sidelines. Attending my first PRSSA District Conference pushed me far outside my comfort zone, transforming my confidence. I learned to network, share my story, and meaningfully connect with others. PRSSA became living proof of my talk’s core idea: connection doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when we show up, create space and invite others in.
On Stage, Fully Present
In the days leading up to the talk, I practiced constantly. Recording myself, listening to my talk, practicing with friends, refining pauses and even making flashcards to memorize my speech. The stress was real; I developed a rash on my neck from nerves. Yet when the day arrived, seeing my family and friends in the audience made me feel grounded and confident.
On stage, I took a deep breath and began. My voice was clear and steady. I had one minor hiccup, but I recovered quickly, just as I had practiced. Delivering the talk without notes or slides, I felt calm, confident and fully present. When it ended, the applause was overwhelming. In that moment, I felt an immense sense of pride: I had created this moment for myself.
Lessons Learned
Giving this TEDx talk taught me confidence isn’t the absence of fear. It’s the result of preparation, intention and trusting yourself. Growth doesn’t happen when we wait for opportunities or connections to find us. It happens when we place ourselves in environments that challenge, support and allow us to evolve.
This experience also reshaped how I view communication. Storytelling isn’t just about sharing experiences. It’s about purpose. By sharing my feelings of loneliness and how I overcame them, I could connect with the audience and show it’s never too late to get involved and build meaningful connections.
Showing Up Changes Everything
My TEDx experience was more than a talk; it was the culmination of a journey that began when I chose to show up. From joining PRSSA to stepping into leadership, each experience taught me the value of creating space, trusting my voice, and connecting with others intentionally. I’m grateful to TEDx, my coach, and PRSSA for helping me grow as a communicator and as a person.
This journey reminded me that meaningful connection isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we create.
Kristy Carreon is a senior at Indiana University Northwest and president of the campus PRSSA Chapter. A TEDx speaker passionate about storytelling, she pursues a career in public relations focused on branding, creative leadership, and meaningful connection.
