If pride is a sin, then I am a sinner...
15 years or so ago, I joined a Toastmasters Youth Leadership program - a public speaking and communications program aimed at high school students with potential. It changed a lot of things about my life. Learning to speak in public, and to be confident about expressing ideas and opinions was a real gift, and it opened up a lot more opportunities for me. I fully attribute the year I spent in Brazil to my Toastmasters experiences. It was my confidence in the interviews and speeches that won over the Rotary selection committee that sent me (err, and my nepotistic friendship with most of them, but I like to think it was my qualifications).
Sitting on that stage today, watching those kids, thinking back and looking forward, I was nearly in tears. I was so proud of the things that they had accomplished in just a few short weeks. I'm so proud of the things that I know they *will* accomplish, because they are all shining kids, destined to do brilliant things in their lives. And I'm proud of the things I've accomplished, as well.
I only wish there was an opportunity to see them all again, to know that they've taken the gift and used it. I know they will, but it would sure be nice to know they did.