Well, let me just start this blog off by saying I wasn’t expecting that!!! The past two weeks I’ve been trying to set up good times to interview two professors for Stetson’s 60^th Anniversary of the SPREE and Honor’s program. As usual everyone is busy, and I’ve learned to adjust as needed. To be honest the rush and anticipation of this event has made me so excited. I’ve researched both programs, and prepared questions, but nothing makes an experience than physical engagement.

This past Monday Stetson hosted an Open House for the Honors Program. Prospective students and parents were taken on a tour of the school and engaged with the faculty. Well, being that marketing is covering a story on the Honors program I followed them around to capture B roll.  Due to my work schedule I was not able to participate that morning, but the latter part of the day yielded some frightful excitement. Casually going about the tour, shaking hands, introducing myself, and capturing others interacting, I heard someone say, “is that a snake in the pillow case in his back pocket?” I paused, looked around, and quietly said “what?” See I can do animals, but I am terrified of snakes. It is a struggle for me to watch them on television let alone be in same surroundings as them. Anyway, after I heard that I paid close attention to the Professors back pocket.  Before then I walked closely to him, capturing footage as he talked about a few science courses at Stetson. I honestly would’ve been ok if no one had mentioned the creepy crawler in the first place. Nevertheless, I kept my distance until we walked outside, and from there I knew what was getting ready to happen. I calmly freaked out but, shockingly I got close enough to capture footage on the snake. I kept telling myself “Phaedra you got this!” “You need this moment on camera, GET IT!” And I did just that! I wasn’t expecting to face my fears this week, I was just there to capture b-roll. We all had the opportunity to hold it, but I wasn’t ready for that yet, so I got what I needed and stepped back.

You know as I stated before, I wasn’t expecting to face a fear this week, but I’m glad I did. This brought back excitement to my internship. It’s so easy to show up for things because you have too, but when it becomes an experience that helps you cross a personal milestone, you that it’s worth it. I went home that day proud that I didn’t allow my fear to hold me back from an amazing opportunity. Sometimes we fail because we don’t try, so I just wanted to do something I wouldn’t have done before. To see passion and pride in the faculty’s eyes as they explained programs brought me joy.  I know they sacrifice a lot of time so that students can experience community. The fact that professors know your name matters, and I hope all who choose to attend Stetson sees that.

Overall, the tour was amazing, and it was exciting to see prospective students, parents, and faculty engage and rave about Stetson University.

This week is one I will never forget, and I hope the remainder of the semester brings on more excitement! (but I’m good on the snakes for now!)