Page 10 - January 2021 Voices

COVER STORY

some artificial rays. Hey, if we can’t travel to It’s not the most comforting thing you’ve ever
Mexico, at least we can look Mexico sun-kissed! heard, I know, and it may not have encouraged

And finally. . . you to “get off your behind.” but it’s the truth.
Like that one song who’s lyrics speak to your soul
Dream of the Dunk and make you realize someone else has felt the

We may not be dunking this year. After all, exact same way as you before, it certainly doesn’t

with the unpredictability of 2020, and how 2021 hurt to remind ourselves when we’re having a
has started, I think true long-term planning of tough day, or month, or year, that:
any kind is out the window for a while longer. we
That being said, we can still dream about it,

can’t we? are
I’ll get us started. Let’s dream of big crowds
and backyard BBQs, of hugs with long-lost loved not
ones, of backburner business plans waiting to see

the light of day. Let’s dream of kids back at school, alone.
adults back at work, grandparents with visitors
again. Let’s dream of polite politics, universal
vaccinations, and equality for everyone. But most
Bianca Martin joined Wallmasters in February
of all, for our sake, Toastmasters, let’s dream of
2020. She is a runner turned coach, turned
loud, resounding claps, whoops, and high fives
cyclist, turned motivational podcaster, and joined
following speeches at IN PERSON MEETINGS!!
Toastmasters to hone and refine her speaking
What a beautiful day that will be.
skills. Coming from such a diverse athletic and
Ya know, I’m not typically one for generalities,
professional background, Bianca combines her
but I’m willing to bet that unless you’re Jeff Bezos
competitive grit with engaging enthusiasm in
or live in a bubble, you’ve struggled in some
every speech she presents to her club. Not afraid
way the last year because of things completely
to stir the pot and tell it like it is, she hopes to one
out of your control. Never before in history has
day speak on stage to inspire others to go after their
virtually the ENTIRE population of the planet
dreams as she has.
all felt the daily trauma of the same invisible
threat. . .and that feels. . .dare I say. . .good? Hear

me out. If misery loves company, who better to
go through the most insane year of our lives
with than, well, everyone we know? The weight
you’re feeling on your shoulders everyday—I

feel it, too. So does your neighbor. And your
boss. And Phyllis. And the upcoming 2021 World
Champion of Public Speaking.

10 ONE COMMUNITY