If you type the term ”sea otter” into Pinterest, or any search engine, you will be presented with hundreds of snapshots of these marine mammals doing adorable things. You’ll find images of sea otters smiling while playing peek-a-boo with their friends, holding hands, and maybe even waving ‘hello’ to a nearby camera.

No one has any idea, but it is time for me to own up to the truth. I can’t go on any longer blasting songs from my car or humming lyrics you vaguely recognize. You might be deeply nervous to hear my news. Ready? Be prepared.

“You didn’t know your content well enough and I couldn’t let you stand on stage in front of hundreds of people and waste their time,” said my mentor, whom I’ll call Olivia. I closed my eyes and pictured her shaking her head in disappointment, standing up, and quickly gesturing for me to take a seat off stage.