I was scheduled to deliver a presentation on the importance of soft tissue around dental implants. However, due to unexpected political unrest in the country where I currently reside, the dental conference had to be postponed.
The new dates were moved to late summer—exactly the same week I was scheduled to take an international English proficiency exam (which, by the way, I’m proud to say I excelled in).
The scheduling conflict was intense. I had to present at the conference as the final and only speaker, and then travel to the capital city just a few days later for my exam. My presentation was on a weekend, and my flight was scheduled midweek.
Thankfully, I had already prepared most of my presentation materials in advance. Still, I usually like to refine and rehearse my slides in the final few days before presenting. This time, those “final touches” coincided with my exam preparation, forcing me to temporarily set aside my English review and practice sessions—which admittedly made me a bit anxious, since achieving a high score was my top priority at the time.
Nevertheless, I dedicated those few days and nights to perfecting my presentation. Despite the limited practice time, I managed to deliver it confidently—and to my relief and joy, it was well-received and appreciated. The positive feedback reminded me that the skills and experience I’ve built over the years truly serve as a solid foundation, even under pressure.
At first, I was hesitant to accept the invitation to present after the rescheduling. But I told myself this could be a valuable exercise in resilience and grit—a chance to test my ability to stay composed and committed despite challenges. And I’m glad I did.
That experience not only boosted my self-esteem but also reaffirmed something deeply personal: when I dedicate myself to my craft and share my knowledge with others, it fuels me with a sense of strength, positivity, and purpose.
In the end, it wasn’t just a lecture about soft tissue around implants—it was a lesson in perseverance, passion, and self-growth.
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'”
—Eleanor Roosevelt