Texas Hold'em Turbo Tournament

Last week I was in Vegas, and I found myself enrolled in a Texas Hold'em Turbo Tournament.  There were eleven of us, and the dealer.  Being brand new to this type of game play, I was terrified.  I am not sure why I was so scared, but I think it has something to do with it being new and walking on unfamiliar ground.  I sat next to the dealer on his right side, and I put my card out showing me the different ways to win, and I also announced I was new to the tournament game.  A couple of the people at the table smiled and said they would never admit to something like that.  The dealer proceeded to teach me how to properly play.  He gave me lessons right at the table during break on how to look at my cards, because I was struggling, and he corrected me if I went out of turn.  He also told me to splash the chips more, because I was too neat.  He was a super nice guy.  Then the dealers switched out more than once, and I got settled in, and I won a hand on a couple of eights.  My heart was pounding so hard, and I said so at the table.  By this time, the table was use to me, and everyone laughed heartily and said their hearts would have been pounding too.  It was a fun game.  I am unsure as to how far I was when I was eliminated, and I think maybe fourth or fifth.  I was kinda proud of this.  I did not expect to win, but I did expect to get eliminated first, so this was a pleasant surprise.  The players and dealer made this a fun game for me.  I only played once, because I just wanted to get my feet wet.  Maybe one day, I will play a tournament again.  We'll see.