Charlie LeBeau

When I was first told about the Al D. Scholarship, I almost didn’t apply. The idea of going was quite scary. I feel I come from a fairly humble background; I didn’t receive a good apprenticeship, I don’t stock any high end jewellery, and I felt very intimidated by the people that I knew would be there. I can honestly say that taking that step outside my comfort zone and filling out the application was one of the best decisions of my life.

Coming to the APP Conference this year was a truly mind blowing introduction to a part of my industry I had always felt was out of reach. I’ve never felt so at home so quickly with a group of strangers (although Facebook for all its trouble, has definitely made that easier). The friendliness and warmth of the volunteers, members, and attendees took me by surprise in the best of ways.

Working with the other volunteers was made incredibly easy, with the meetings we had and the good nature of everybody I spoke to. I never felt stupid for asking a question or for reaching out for help; this is something I usually struggle with. I am very independent and that has been a problem for me in situations, in the past, where I really could have used help. The volunteers (especially Caitlin and Kendra) were welcoming and helpful, even when they were stressed out and they probably wanted to be focused on other things!

It wasn’t until I met Jim Ward that I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed. I sat in a large room, filled with people from all walks of life, and before us stood the man who made it all possible. His talk was funny and mesmerizing and I could’ve listened to him speak for days on end. I eventually mustered enough courage to go up and speak with him. I’m pretty sure I must have sounded like a gibbering idiot, but he was so friendly, smiling and talking. He even let me act like a fan girl, taking a photo with him—which is getting printed, framed and hung in my piercing room back home.

There were, of course, a couple of down points; missing out on a lecture or two, not having enough time for certain talks to be completed and at points feeling a little too shy to speak out or ask questions, but they are so outnumbered by the good times, I can barely remember them.

I’m sure I’m not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last, to say that because of the generosity of the scholarship that I received, I know I have become part of this big, weird family. One where learning never stops and, although there may be oceans between us, it is as if we are right next door.

This experience has changed my life for the better and I will fight tooth and nail to make it back next year to volunteer again.

Thank you, for everything.