Chapter 1: My First Encounter with the Medium Team

As I stepped into the historic hotel in Downtown Portland, my heart raced, and my mind was pleading for my feet to remain steady. The rush of adrenaline didn't do much to calm my nerves. An awkward, half-hearted smile lingered on my face, no matter how hard I tried to fix it. My anxiety was on high alert, threatening to undermine any professionalism I hoped to convey.

My invitation was straightforward: join a panel discussion followed by a coffee and donut mixer. It sounded perfect, but the thought of mingling in person sent shivers down my spine. I usually thrive in social settings, but this gathering felt different—these were accomplished individuals, each with their own impressive achievements.

My Objective

My father always advised me to enter a room as if I belonged there, as if everyone was eager to engage with me. While that wasn’t exactly how I envisioned my entrance, my intention was to be authentic, break the ice, and dive into whatever awaited me. After all, I had already backed out of a virtual pub crawl. Curse you, Imposter Syndrome! I was determined to show up for this.

The truth is, I'm just starting out. Pursuing a writing career has only recently transitioned from a distant dream to a tangible goal. It's a significant life change, and I’ve only dipped my toes into the waters. While nerves churn within me, excitement also simmers beneath the surface.

I aspire to create meaningful content for those who appreciate words that inspire change—words that encourage us to think deeper, act smarter, and grow wiser. It's a worthwhile challenge, one that will draw me closer to my purpose, as I perceive it. But will others see value in my work?

Regardless of where I am on this journey, I am making progress. We all are. So here I go.

The Big Time Experience

The room buzzed with laughter and conversation, making it seem as though everyone had known each other for ages. Was I the only writer here who wasn’t part of some established group? Had I missed the memo? I felt like an outsider. A warm smile encouraged me to choose a seat, and I gladly complied.

Everyone appeared deeply engaged, and I even caught snippets of French from a nearby group. I felt as if I had stepped into a realm where I might not belong. This gathering was significant, filled with individuals from diverse backgrounds—how amazing! How on earth did I manage to get an invitation?

I settled into a plush armchair next to another attendee who was also sitting alone. Thankfully, she was open to a chat.

Little Bee in a Big Hive

The panel discussion was enlightening. Scott Lamb, Medium’s VP of Content, initiated the session by asking writers in the room to raise their hands. Writers? Did he mean those contributing to the platform? As I glanced around, I saw a sea of faces, many of whom remained seated. Had I misunderstood something? Should I have raised my hand?

Debra Harman, MEd, Editor-in-Chief of Parasol Publications, brought genuine laughter and invaluable insights that made the atmosphere feel intimate, as if we were sharing drinks and good food among friends. What a wonderful experience.

It became clear that this event was for the Medium team—a talented collective from around the globe collaborating in this space. I felt fortunate to be a small part of something far grander than I had anticipated. And those donuts? A true Portland delicacy—pure artistry.

Before I knew it, the event had concluded. The few individuals I had connected with made me wish for more time to engage with everyone. Each person I met embodied the essence of the company with such poise and elegance. I left feeling genuinely inspired and empowered.

My Reflections

What struck me most was the realization that this gathering comprised dedicated individuals—smart, hardworking people sharing a common objective: to make a positive impact through their work.

As writers, we often lay bare our most intimate thoughts, experiences, and creations—stories and articles that encapsulate years of learning, heartache, and triumph. This is a serious endeavor.

The Medium team is doing their part behind the scenes, without the spotlight or applause. How fortunate we are to have such a capable group crafting a platform that supports our ambitions and success.

To all my fellow writers on Medium: we are in excellent hands.

Thank you, Medium Team, for your generous hospitality. I am grateful to have shared the same space with you, even if just for a fleeting moment. Please continue your mission. You have accomplished far more than you may realize for those of us navigating the vast world of human expression through writing.

A special thanks to the following individuals for an unforgettable experience:

Scott Lamb, Debra G. Harman, MEd, Carly Rose Gillis, and Lisa.

Would you like to connect with me? Follow this link. Please note, this will redirect you away from Medium.

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