Your Turn Now

One of the coordinators approached you, giving you a reassuring nod before signalling that it was time. The moment had arrived. You stepped forward, the curtain parting as you made your way onto the stage.

As you walked out, the bright lights illuminated you, and the crowd’s attention was fully on you. You felt a mix of exhilaration and anxiety as you made your way across the stage, your footsteps light but deliberate. The commentator’s voice rang out, clear and confident, introducing you to the audience.

“Now, we have Alexis, a college student currently doing her internship with EmpoweringHer,” the commentator announced, adding a layer of legitimacy to your new identity. “She is representing LT Fashion for the opening. The owner, Lisa Tran, is also one of the major sponsors for this event.”

You reached the center of the stage and paused, striking your first pose. The audience’s eyes were all on you, and you could feel their gaze as you held the pose for seven seconds, just as you had practised. Then, you smoothly transitioned to the next pose, holding it with the same grace and composure.

“The show is about sustainability,” the commentator continued, their voice narrating your presence on the stage. “And why can’t college students continue to wear their high school uniforms? This is the statement that LT Fashion is making now—a simple high school uniform is not just for high school but for everyone.”

As the commentator finished, you took a final moment to hold your last pose, feeling the significance of the message you were conveying. Then, with a calm and composed demeanour, you turned and began walking back, the lights dimming slightly as you made your way off the stage.

Backstage, you felt a wave of relief wash over you. The hardest part was over, and you had done it. You had successfully opened the show