Aaron Gabriel Chavez

Student, Writer/Editor

Do it afraid

Creative Writing

Poetry

Do it afraid. Last July, TEDxQuezon City U opened, seeking volunteers for different positions. At first, I am very skeptical about joining, as I am a 3rd-year college student with critical subjects and a busy schedule. I was afraid that if I ever joined, I might not give my best or do my duties responsibly. However, I still applied. And I got accepted! I felt genuine happiness with a hint of anxiety and fear. After weeks, an initial meeting happened. The first core team eventually dissolved, leading to a team restructuring. I was a new member with doubts. I had to quickly adapt and learn my responsibilities as I was assigned to be the Executive Producer on duty. It was heavy, but fulfilling. I have to do it with uneasiness, I have to do it afraid. A week of preparation for equipment gathering, security, and documents happened without a dry run. On the day of the event, everyone took charge without a complete dry run. I completed all briefings I could ever perform for each committee assigned for the specific tasks. Tiring, but fulfilling. I was scared I might have instructed them wrong, but I can take the accountability. During the event, the tiredness I feel is worth it every single grasp and breath. At the end, the satisfaction I felt was floating in the sky, swinging through the wind as the trumpets from heaven predicted this successful event! I was afraid of doing this, but I did it! If I did not do it afraid, nothing would happen. There will be no “Gabriel Chavez - Executive Producer” just because I was terrified and pressured. I think it proves that doing things afraid while pressured and anxious is better than doing nothing. I will hold that phrase forever. To someone reading this, you can do it afraid. Do it afraid.

Singing