An Introvert at VOA (Part II)

So here’s the thing… I went back to VOA!

Whew! This time, I went with a mission. Backed by the newfound confidence that found me after another year of coaching, two semesters of theater acting, a weekly workout group, and an almost-complete improv class, I was building more than my voiceover skills—I was building the kind of personal courage that comes from vulnerability and preparation. This time, I didn’t just show up—I showed up with intention.

I printed out the agenda on large sheets of paper and studied it like a blueprint. I created a personalized theme for the weekend, building my schedule around the sessions I wanted to attend live, knowing I could watch the rest on-demand. I made the investment to lock in three X-Sessions—VOA’s 3-hour, small-group masterclasses led by seasoned pros—so I could get focused, hands-on coaching. I sat front row at every panel and breakout I attended, fully present and engaged. I initiated conversations I wouldn’t have dared to a year ago. I even approached voice actors I admire online to say hello. (And yes, I asked for a few photos, too.)

And then—because I was feeling bold—I signed up for the Team Challenge. In an already packed schedule, I volunteered to be thrown into a group of voice actors I had never met. Together, we researched a nonprofit, wrote a script, recorded our parts, and edited a 30-second PSA—all in just over 24 hours. I don’t know how I did it, but I did! It was wildly energizing and genuinely challenging.

But the biggest difference this time? I made space for myself. When my social battery dipped, I gave myself permission to step away. Sit in my hotel room in silence. Recharge. No shame, no judgment. And yes, I may have binge-watched a show or two to decompress before bed! Because I wasn’t there to be “on” all the time—I was there to be fully present when it mattered most.

Oh—and here's a fun full-circle moment: before the conference, I designed and packed buttons that read “I’m Shy, Say Hi”—a little nudge to help extroverts approach me first. But you know what? I never even needed them. The buttons stayed tucked away in my suitcase the entire weekend. And for me, that was a huge win.

This time around, I wasn’t just grateful—I was joyful. When you meet your own needs first, the experience becomes a whole lot richer.