Walking the Path Back to Confidence

This blog is part of the "Walking My Path: Celebrating Small Wins" series by Isaiah Montgomery. 

When I was in 4th grade at Brooks Elementary School, I stood on a stage in front of a crowd of parents and peers to read a book I had written for a program called “Cool Cat Café.” I was a little scared, but that didn’t stop me from stepping onto that stage. As I read my story, the audience laughed with me. Ultimately, I received a standing ovation—the only one that evening.

Somewhere between that moment and my senior year of high school, I lost that confidence. During my high school years and for some time afterward, I couldn’t imagine walking on a stage with that same boldness. I avoided opportunities like that at all costs. However, over the last two to three years, I’ve worked on my mindset and learned to appreciate myself. Slowly, the confidence I had as an elementary student started to return.

Speaking About Volunteerism
Since high school, I have had a few opportunities to speak in front of an audience, including in classes at the College of DuPage. My nerves continued to get the best of me for a while, and I ended up feeling embarrassed and frustrated. Things changed a couple of years ago when my mom asked me to co-teach a workshop about volunteerism.  The My Super Powers Foundation organized the workshop. About six teens attended. Even though I was nervous about presenting, and my inner had me concerned about people judging me, I decided to push forward.

After my presentation, the audience applauded, and I let out a huge sigh of relief. That moment made me feel better about myself and gave me a significant boost of confidence. Even though I was still nervous, that moment felt very different from my previous experiences speaking in front of an audience. 

Elevator Pitch at DuPage AME Church
Recently, I participated in an elevator pitch workshop that my church organized for students seeking jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Part of the workshop involved us writing our elevator pitch and then saying it to the audience. When the workshop leader asked for a volunteer to go first, I stood up and walked to the front of the room.

This was huge for me.  There was no one there nudging me to go first. Something in me just made me get up and go.

Confidence.

I took my time and collected my thoughts. When I presented, I didn’t rely on my notes. I spoke clearly and confidently, maintained eye contact, stood tall, and delivered my pitch with poise. That experience was another win on my journey back to confidence.

Confidence as a Source of Pride
I take great pride in my confidence. Being brave and confident is a key step in personal development and growth. It also allows me to show others who I truly am. Each moment I step out of my comfort zone and speak up brings me closer to the person I aspire to be.

My journey back to the confidence I had that day for Cool Cat Cafe is far from over, but with every brave action I take, I’m rediscovering my boldness as a child—and it feels good.

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Isaiah Montgomery, son of Believe & Be Brave founder Stacey Montgomery, is passionate about sharing his personal journey. He frequently contributes to The Believe & Be Brave Blog through his series, Walking My Path: Celebrating Small Wins.

©2025. Isaiah Montgomery. All rights reserved.