Context: I have been given the opportunity to present in a panel for a Writing Center conference: International Writing Center Association (IWCA). The topic was on neurodivergence, in the context of student workers. The conversation surrounded how institutional administrations (not faculty/staff/directors) do not support student worker needs in a way that is accessible. Continuing the talk on how the WC has opened up its  doors to me and has helped me gain confidence in speaking out on the injustice of neurodivergent student workers.**

► Where: Vancouver, B.C.

After the presentation, I had a few people approach me to chat about my presentation, and wanted to further the conversation afterward. I am still behind the table in which I was sitting. One of the questions that had come up:

Peter: “Hi, I’m not sure if you’re busy, or have anywhere to go, but I’d love to hear your answer to a question that I have.”
Me: “Oh, no! Absolutely, it’s not a problem. What is it?”

Peter: “How do you approach a situation in which you are just having a hard time? Especially because I have ADHD too, and sometimes it gets too much.”

Me: “Well I think this is also pretty specific to myself, because I know how supportive the Writing Center is with its specialists. I think I just have to tell the student that I’m sensitive that day, and hope that they understand. I feel confident in that though, because I think I am aware of how supported I am by my center, and how much I can trust them to advocate for me. Which is kind of why I had this presentation in the first place.”

- End - 

During the conference and after my presentation, I was congratulated by folks with compliments, most along the lines being that they loved my piece, and found that it was real conversation to be and is not talked about enough. 

Response: “Oh gosh, thank you very much, that was my first time ever presenting, so I’m happy to hear that what I had to say connected with you, which was not what I was expecting.” 

These take place usually in passing. Either the person was headed to another presentation or they stood a bit of a ways away from being in my personal space, to which I have understood that this is a moment for small talk and not a conversation.