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From: Anita Blom, Sweden
Date: 18 Oct 2012
Time: 07:25:12 -0500
Remote Name: 79.138.146.13
Hey girl. I don't recognize you in any of this. Grownup. Sensible. Wise. Responsible. Mature. Or shy, sensitive, aware. Who on earth are you talking about? :-) I still remember the day I met you, coming to the European Youth Meeting. You were in the centre, confident, with clear opinions and not afraid to show them to the group. I wish I had that guts when I was that age. I too turned 30. Well, not this year, but still. :-) I recognize so much in you, in the middle of life, so many plans, so full of ideas and things to conquer, with six sibblings and parents who taught me that I have to fight to reach my goals. We did have different youths though. And maybe that's why you found your place earlier in life. You show us a very important lesson here: "Once I figured out that I could live with my stutter, that I didn't need to make the choice between being silent and speaking fluent, I slowly began to recover." That's so basic and still so important. To take life as it comes. Not wish for miracles to happen, but to make your own dreams come true. What do people have to do before 30? Well, applying to host the world congress is one thing. :-) You don't have to be all those things you mentioned. You already do most of that. In face, you ARE all that, and than some. A role model for young women who stutter. And although I absolute hate dentists, having one with a stutter would definetely bring a smile on my face, as he/she might not ask so many questions with my mouth full of cotton. :-) I really hope you don't see a deadline for yourself, as that's when sitting in a rocking chair comes in. You're way to impulsive as well as decisive to go to wast. Stay silly, have that drink, keep on travelling. Keep on using your stutter, stay that stubborn, know-it-all, pig-headed perfectionists, because those are the people who change the world! If not for ourselves, but at least for those who come after us. In a few months we all get to meet new people, make friends, and talk to strangers, thanks to you and your team. I can't tell you how amazing that is. Not only the world congress on itself, but you and your friends organizing it. A team of vibrant young people, who have a voice and are not afraid to break down barriers and taboos. I am a bit over thirty, but have never felt better, so keep on living life. I cannot say how proud I am of you. But why on earth a person wants to become a dentist, I still don't know. :-) Keep talking and see you at the world congress!