Winning the Silver Medal in ESNC Public Speaking for Juniors
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve had the dream of participating in my school’s morning assembly. I managed to find the way people shift their voices to speak in an exciting yet professional manner so fascinating. I was able to participate in a few special occasions. But my craving for public speaking wasn’t fulfilled.
I then moved to another school, which had many opportunities for those who wished to participate in the theatre. However, I started to grow shy and distant from my dream. Only during COVID-19 did I realize that I needed to get out there and fulfill my dream. Not for me, but for the younger Aysha who never got picked for a major role.
When online school ended, I decided to contact the teachers supervising the theatre. They apologized and said that things weren’t the same anymore, they already have a set of skilled students they rely on for shows and ceremonies. But I didn’t stop. I asked daily and practiced any random speech I found on the internet to improve my skills. Eventually, they agreed to make an exception. However, the end-of-year ceremony was canceled. I was disappointed, but I knew that it was probably for the better and that Allah (swt) had something else coming my way.
After that, I considered moving to ATS for the opportunities, the strong focus on the student’s skills, and the student support system I was told of. I remember getting accepted like I remember my name. And to be frank, I wasn’t even expecting to be considered in the slightest, but I was.
Not too long ago, my friend encouraged me to join the Public Speaking club. I protested about not having enough time and energy to put into my participation, but I still decided to give it a go. I participated by presenting at the morning assembly a few times, then was encouraged by my teachers to apply for ESNC’s Public Speaking for Juniors. I wasn’t expecting any outcome, I knew that the people who were chosen to participate were only a few out of hundreds who had applied.
To my surprise, I was chosen to participate. The first day of the competition was very challenging, but it gave me a pretty good idea of what I should be doing for the other two days. I still remember our supervisors’ encouraging and affirming words, the environment was as supportive as it could get. Allow me to let you on a little secret of mine, I dreaded the third day as much as possible mainly because I didn’t want the experience to be put to an end.
Before the closing ceremony, a friend of mine from the senior competitors discussed who we thought was going to win. I wasn’t sure who would win, but I was almost sure that it wouldn’t be me. All other four competitors seemed to be so confident and expressive, it made me feel blank. So when my name was called for the Silver medal, I felt rays of sunshine beaming from my lungs to my nose. I was quite lucky the cameras didn’t catch footage of me rushing to the stage, with tears overflowing, and running down my cheeks.
After all is said and done, there are many people I would like to thank. In fact, ‘thank’ is quite an understatement, because I wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for them. My mother, the purest soul I’ve ever known, was my source of support and encouragement. So were my teachers and friends at school. I would also like to thank all those who helped bring this competition to life, truly a remarkable experience.
