Editor’s note:

In an effort to get to know Toastmasters around our district, we developed the “Member Spotlight” section within the blog. This week, we shine a spotlight on Frederica Ricks. Frederica serves as the District 66 Parliamentarian for the 2021-2022 Toastmaster year.

From Clouds to Sunshine

Someone asked me why I became a Toastmaster. Imagine this: you wake up one morning to realize your entire life has changed. The 2021-2022 School Year was going to be my thirty-seventh year-in education. The plan was for me to work with schools, administrators, and teachers to develop school improvement plans. It was going to be an opportunity to put all my years in education to good use by helping schools reach full accreditation. Another bright note was anticipating my daughter’s May 2020, college graduation. Afterwards we would be flying off to Barcelona, Spain, for a ten-day adventure. We had been planning this trip since she watched Cheetah Girls 2, in the summer of 2006. The entire movie took place in Barcelona, Spain, and she wanted to go. In March of 2015, everything changed. The sunshine changed into clouds. How could joining a Toastmaster’s club bring my sunshine back?

In just a two-week period in 2015, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, (SLE). For over three years I had been suffering with joint pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing, total and complete exhaustion; but had no idea that Lupus was the reason. I was no-longer allowed to go out in the Sun without risking illness. Like a tornado, my entire life was sent into a downward spiral. In July of 2016, I was driven to retire. I was hospitalized in January of 2017, not knowing I was walking around with numerous blood clots in both lungs. On Labor Day of 2017, my marriage ended. Clouds turned the sky black as night and the storm raged for years. I suffered alone, keeping up appearances for my daughter’s sake. I became a recluse — not visiting friends, rarely leaving my home, and dedicating my life to getting my daughter through college. The journey wasn’t an easy one, but she was on her way to graduation day, May 16, 2020. The rain had stopped, and there was a glimmer of Sun, fighting to push its way through the clouds.

During SPBC Toastmaster Club meetings, I caught myself smiling. I had always peeped into the meeting room at the church and watched the group. It looked like so much fun. The engagement and presentations were so stimulating. Table topics amazed me. The ability to speak off the cuff, without hesitation and make sense, is a truly a gift. I knew then Toastmasters could be my umbrella. I wanted to join the experience. I attended SPBC Toastmasters Open House in January 2020. I joined that night, paid my membership, and came home ecstatic. I felt there was hope for me again. Being part of a Toastmasters Club that is supportive and encouraged its members in an environment that focuses on self-improvement, communication, and leadership. I could finally feel the Sunshine on my face again.

The Sun will shine again. My daughter was determined not to let Covid-19, steal her joy. She would graduate Cum Laude. I still had SPBC Toastmasters. I flung myself into every level and project. There was a break in the clouds. I volunteered to mentor new members. As Vice President of Membership, I propelled myself to think outside of the box and bring new members to the club. I was asked to be District 66’s Parliamentarian, and I was honored! The Sun was so bright I needed shades. Toastmasters had given me purpose again. I believed in myself, my ability to communicate and reach others was back. I actually was excited again. I am now a member of three clubs. If you asked me why I became a Toastmaster, I can really say that Toastmasters gave me my sunshine back.

Frederica Ricks