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Poster Name:
In the know - part 3

Poster Message:
It felt good to know that I at least reached this small cadre in that massive room. That’s why I do this, after all. I never assume I’ll be 100% effective to 100% of the audience. I speak based on the size of my story inside, not the size of the room I’m in. And then I woke up this morning to over 20 emails in my inbox from guys who attended last night. For the record, even when a talk goes wonderfully, no one emails. I mean, no one. People tweet nice things (see above), but no one emails. My shuttle ride to the airport allowed me to sift through these messages, all of them positive. Freshmen were telling me they enjoyed the presentation, what they’ll remember, and why they were glad I spoke. Some were apologetic for others. This was a high class move. Many of these emails were from future members of the Beta Theta Pi chapter at TCU. I’m glad to see that organization building a strong foundation of men who want to better themselves and others. And like that, my worst audience became my best. When I thought people weren’t listening at all, I found the small group that was listening the most. There, in the midst of chaos and confusion was insight and clarity. Mr. Rogers often quoted his mom’s admonition to “look for the helpers” in the midst of despair or disaster. And while a talk that didn’t go quite right pales in comparison to other real-life calamities, I think we can all use a reminder that when things aren’t going right, they may secretly be going perfectly. Life swings in great big contradictory directions, it seems. And when we feel knocked out by the bad, I bet the good is lurking just beneath. Perhaps the way to get to the best parts is to face the worst parts a time or two. The only way to enjoy a rainbow is to wait out the storm.