I Asked for the Meeting Without Softening My Ambition

Dear Delyara, No “just.” No “if it’s not too much trouble.” No pretending I was only mildly interested so I wouldn’t have to feel how badly I actually wanted the opportunity. I asked. Clearly. Professionally. Without trying to make my ambition small enough to be socially acceptable. My hands shook afterward. My stomach hurt. I questioned the wording fifteen times in my head. None of that changes the fact that I did it. That’s the victory for me now. Not feeling fearless. Not looking composed. Doing the thing while fear still has a voice and ambition still has a body.