"Honorable Judge.." I began with a nervous smile.
I skimmed through the notes I had made during all those hours of research for the past two weeks. Sadly it was of no help; I had to say whatever came to my mind right then. This was debate after all. I glanced up, and caught the eye of my coach at the back. I hated disappointing the people who believed in me, and I knew my coach had more belief in me than I could ever muster.
I took a deep breath, and I started to speak. The topic was about how minority subcultures were being oppressed around the world. I started talking about oppression passionately, and then went on to outline all the reasons supporting this issue. There was no time to think twice before I spoke. I lost points every moment that I paused. I stopped counting down the seconds, and I continued to speak.
Finally, when the judge, also known as the adjudicator, raised his hand and motioned for me to stop, I was caught by surprise. Had I actually managed to speak for several minutes straight? I wondered bewilderingly. My coach beamed at me, and I knew I had really done it.
They say that there are certain instances in life which change your perspective and beliefs in one single moment; I think this was mine.
Until then, I had always …show more content…
I was chosen as a prefect in Grade 12 for the Youth Development Club, where the students participate in a prestigious international program called the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. My main job as a prefect is to conduct weekly meetings with over a hundred students, and aid them in recording their activities for this program. I remember my first ever meeting where I was hesitant to speak up and introduce myself in front of all of the students and member teachers. However, my nervousness stemmed with time because I forced myself to focus on the bigger picture - the club had to go on no matter how nervous I
I skimmed through the notes I had made during all those hours of research for the past two weeks. Sadly it was of no help; I had to say whatever came to my mind right then. This was debate after all. I glanced up, and caught the eye of my coach at the back. I hated disappointing the people who believed in me, and I knew my coach had more belief in me than I could ever muster.
I took a deep breath, and I started to speak. The topic was about how minority subcultures were being oppressed around the world. I started talking about oppression passionately, and then went on to outline all the reasons supporting this issue. There was no time to think twice before I spoke. I lost points every moment that I paused. I stopped counting down the seconds, and I continued to speak.
Finally, when the judge, also known as the adjudicator, raised his hand and motioned for me to stop, I was caught by surprise. Had I actually managed to speak for several minutes straight? I wondered bewilderingly. My coach beamed at me, and I knew I had really done it.
They say that there are certain instances in life which change your perspective and beliefs in one single moment; I think this was mine.
Until then, I had always …show more content…
I was chosen as a prefect in Grade 12 for the Youth Development Club, where the students participate in a prestigious international program called the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. My main job as a prefect is to conduct weekly meetings with over a hundred students, and aid them in recording their activities for this program. I remember my first ever meeting where I was hesitant to speak up and introduce myself in front of all of the students and member teachers. However, my nervousness stemmed with time because I forced myself to focus on the bigger picture - the club had to go on no matter how nervous I