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October 13, 2021
But as the public discussion on vaccine passports evolved, I thought about context. We need context to understand what’s going on around us.

Back in June, I gave myself a challenge. Could I write a good story…or even my life story…based on my vaccination record? Maybe it’d be boring. My dusty yellow immunization card, my dog-eared vaccine passport, a dog bite in Peru…well ok, that part had potential. I wrote a first draft and shared it with a few friends, plus our momondays mastermind.

Well, they liked it – there was tragedy, humour, even a hint of sex. Some wanted a video so they could share it with their friends but I said, “No way. It’s off-topic for my brand. And I don’t need any haters!”

Then I sat on the script all summer.

But as the public discussion on vaccine passports evolved, I thought about context. We need context to understand what’s going on around us. I had context to share – personal, historical, and international context – wrapped up in a good story.

At the end of August, I filmed it and put it on YouTube, feeling satisfied but also uncertain. Would anyone care, or share?

In just two weeks, it became my most popular video and it’s still, ahem, spreading. Yes, I’ve gotten a few negative comments, but they’re nothing compared to the appreciation:

  • Of all the people I know, I was waiting for your take on this, because I knew it would be level-headed, down to earth, and well thought-out.
  • I remember that dreadful night in Peru well, dog bite and all. Even more reason to try and reach a high vaccination coverage in in unison.
  • Such a positive reminder of the importance of vaccines and the huge impact they have had in our lives for a LONG time!

It feels rewarding and wonderful, knowing I’ve changed some hearts and minds with context and a good story.

Where will my next good story come from, my sock drawer? Who knows. I thought my vaccination record was too mundane to go, ahem, viral.

-- Emily Nichols, Inside-Out Storytelling Community Member

About the Author Emily Nichols

I work with organizations that want to equip their technical teams with human skills, so they can be better problem solvers, team players and leaders.

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