I hate to be one of those people who throws around the word "amazing," but that’s what today was for me. Speaking to students at Flanagan High School was an amazing experience. It was my first time speaking at a high school, other than when I returned to my own high school to speak to students in SWS at Wheatley. I speak at all sorts of events, fairs, festivals, book tours, and each time you try to tailor what you say so you’re relevant and can really connect with your audience. And it’s hard because I never really know exactly what I’m going to say. There are certain "schticks" you fall back on, certain points you always make, but no two talks are exactly alike.

Today, among high school students, I felt alive. I felt what it was like to have to be somewhere. I remember being that kid in that chair, expecting the boring presentation. So what’d I do? Grabbed the microphone and said "masturbate" and "fuck." Works every time. But now in retrospect I feel really guilty about dropping the eff. It was inappropriate, and kinda slipped out, and I feel funny about it, so I learned my lesson. Next time I’ll say "eff." Believe it or not, though, I am a positive female role model. I know this because several students approached me after each talk (I spoke to two different groups) and let me know that they felt connected to me, felt inspired to live their lives differently, and I can’t think of anything more amazing than that.

And then, there was food. GOOD FOOD. Not scary cafeteria food, but food prepared by the students, a taste of South Florida. And it was kick ass. So, thank you Flanagan High School for the welcome, for the posters, for the round of applause. I know we can’t choose what we remember, but I hope to always remember today. Thank you. Seriously.