I Walked Onto the Stage Terrified – Then This Happened

“It’s always nice watching other people being recognised for their hard work.”

I recently got to experience that feeling myself when I was honoured with an award for the ACT Children’s Week. While I have often found joy in seeing others celebrated, being recognised for my own efforts, especially at just 17, was both exciting and humbling.

As an autistic creator, it is often difficult for people to read me and see just how excited or proud I really am. I still have challenges expressing emotions in ways that come naturally to others, and I am not comfortable with touch, which can make occasions like this tricky when people come up to pat me on the back or offer congratulations physically. At the award ceremony, I remember feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. I wanted to smile, to show how much it meant to me, but it took some effort to find my own way to express it.

It was never my intent to be in the spotlight. Being the centre of attention is not something I am comfortable with. But as my mum reminded me, I am the face of my social enterprise, Zosimos Curra™, and part of that role means learning to navigate these awkward situations. So even though it felt strange at first, I focused on the reason I was there: celebrating the work I have poured into Magbean!™ and sharing the magic of Beanpie Island with young readers.

Receiving the award was a reminder of why I create. Magbean!™ has always been about more than just writing and illustrating. It is about helping children feel seen, valued, and encouraged to embrace who they are. Every bean-shaped character, every colourful page, and every message of kindness comes from a place of genuine care and passion. To have that work acknowledged publicly is a reminder that even small ideas, when nurtured, can make a real difference.

Awards are not just about recognition. They are encouragement, motivation, and a celebration of effort. That day reminded me that hard work, creativity, and kindness do get noticed, and that makes every challenge along the way worth it. It also reminded me that learning to navigate moments like this is part of growing into my role as a creator and a storyteller.

Receiving this award was a special moment, not just for me, but for everyone who believes in the power of storytelling to uplift, inspire, and create positive change. It reinforces my commitment to continue crafting stories that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the magic of being yourself, even if it is sometimes hard to show just how much it really means to me.

Nat 💚