I crashed my first college party when I was in tenth grade. It took weeks of preparation, but I was the hit of the party. I honed my adult conversation skills, got a sassy haircut, bought a collegish-y outfit and spared no expense buying all new Wet ‘n Wild makeup. All of my hard work paid off as I entered the party. No one knew I was still in high school, because I, a master of disguise, blended in perfectly. I walked right up to a group of cute guys circled around a coffee table. They were looking at something, so I boldly took charge of the situation saying, “What a pretty glass kaleidoscope.” I grabbed it, held it up to my eye, and poured bong water all over my face. Told ya, I was the hit of the party.

Even at fifteen I knew I had to learn something from that night other than the fact that no amount of Bath and Body Works shower gel can take away the racid stink of bong water. And believe you me, I had a lot of time to reflect on that night. Alone. By myself. My dog wouldn’t even get near me and he ate his own poop.

In many ways, the public humiliation I received that night prepared me to be a fearless presenter in work meetings. I’m grateful I was the hit of the party that night because I don’t have a fear of looking stupid in public. I’ve been there, done that, got the shot glass  and I survived. Whenever I find myself standing in front of a room of people at work, I’m completely relaxed because I know most people want me to succeed. That, and the stink of bong water lasts a lot longer than the stinky-eye from a jealous co-worker.

That’s why I’m grateful I was the hit of the party.