On October 24th, 2024, I found myself stepping nervously into the Tett Center, heart racing and palms slightly sweaty. It was my first networking event—the Kingston Young Professionals Event—and I had no idea what to expect. The room buzzed with energy as young entrepreneurs, lawyers, graphic designers, and students mingled like they’d done this a thousand times. Meanwhile, I stood there, debating whether to head for the exit or grab a coffee and fake confidence.
Little did I know, this day would turn out to be a mix of unexpected opportunities, creativity, and a chance to see things from a whole new perspective.
After standing around for 15 awkward minutes, my classmate swooped in like a superhero, introducing me to the event organizer. When my photography hobby came up, the organizer's eyes lit up. It turned out their regular photographer was out of town, and they needed someone to capture the event.
“Would you mind?” they asked.
Mind? I was thrilled! I said yes on the spot, and just like that, I went from a nervous attendee to the official event photographer. My job? Capture moments that would eventually shine on their social media feeds.
With my camera in hand, I felt like I’d found my groove. Group photos, candid laughter, creative solos—I snapped it all. The Tett Center was alive with energy, and every shot felt like capturing a tiny piece of that magic. It wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about seeing people connect, laugh, and share ideas.
Halfway through the event, the second organizer announced a guided tour of the Tett Center. Intrigued, I joined in, camera ready to capture more.
- Dance Rehearsal Hall: A spacious room where artists could rent the space to perfect their moves at a super affordable rate.
- Pottery Room: The creativity here was off the charts! We watched a few people shape and paint their ceramic masterpieces.
- Music Room: This was a musician's dream, with instruments ready to be rented or played by anyone.
- Art Gallery/Artist Room: The highlight of the tour! We met three incredible artists, each with a unique style. One artist shared her journey into the creative world, and another showed us how ordinary objects transform when viewed through an artist's lens.
The tour ended back in the main hall, where we were handed forms to fill in our details for future event invites. Then came the best part: a group photo with everyone! It felt like a perfect end to an inspiring day.
As people lingered to chat, I realized how far I’d come in just a few hours—from being nervous and silent to actively contributing and connecting.
This wasn’t just about networking; it was about stepping out of my comfort zone, saying yes to opportunities, and discovering the amazing creative hub that the Tett Center is. I walked away with new connections, valuable experience, and a bunch of photos that I couldn’t wait to share.
If you’ve been hesitant about attending your first networking event, let this be your sign to just go for it. You never know—you might walk in nervous and walk out with a whole new perspective (and maybe even a cool gig!).
