29/05/2026
CHALLENGES ARE OPPORTUNITIES IN DISGUISE
A few weeks ago, I received an invitation that caught me off guard. My church (WATCHMAN) campus fellowship at FUDMA asked me to be the Master of Ceremony for their graduating students’ send-forth.
When I first read the message, I had mixed feelings. I was honored they thought of me, and excited by the opportunity. But I was also nervous. I had never done MC duty before, and I wasn’t sure I could pull it off.
Then came the part that really raised my anxiety: they told me someone I deeply respect and, in a good way, even fear would be in attendance. My God. Suddenly the stakes felt higher.
Still, I made a decision. I would try something new and step outside my comfort zone.
So I started preparing. I researched how to keep an event lively, how to engage a crowd, and how to carry everyone along from start to finish. I practiced, wrote notes, and planned transitions.
On the day of the event, I arrived at the venue early. I double-checked everything I needed, took a deep breath, and we began.
I was anxious at first, but as the program went on, I found my rhythm. I conquered my fear and embraced a brand-new experience.
The feedback from the organizers and friends afterward was overwhelmingly encouraging. I walked away grateful that I accepted the challenge, because I grew through it.
Lessons I Learned
1. Say “yes” before you feel ready
Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. If I had waited until I felt 100% qualified, I would have missed the chance entirely.
2. Preparation turns anxiety into confidence
My fear didn’t disappear on its own. Research, practice, and showing up early gave me control over what I could manage, and that carried me through what I couldn’t.