Just a Little Chatty by Halee

Just a Little Chatty by Halee - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

"She's a great student, but she does get a little chatty..." Sound familiar? This is what my parents always used to hear when they would attend my parent teacher conferences, and it's 100% true. I love school, and a really big part of that is the social aspect. So many people to talk to! So when I heard about Speech and Debate my junior year, it sounded perfect. I mean, come on, a whole team dedicated to talking. What's not to like?
First, one thing has to be understood. I love talking WITH people, not TO people. Presentations were a classroom nightmare, and I dreaded having to get up and in front of a group. It made me feel so very awkward and embarrassed. So a big part of why I joined Speech and Debate was to help combat this fear and get control over my anxiety. I was terrified to start, but this is when I met Mrs.Zika. (Cue the angels singing)
Mrs.Zika was the Speech and Debate coach, and I also had her for my freshman year of english. She was the best couch an anxious yet opinionated girl could ask for. I've learned so much from her in regards to public speaking but the most impactful thing she taught me was that my voice mattered. Which yes, sounds cheesy, but it changed the way I not only approached that team, but education as a whole. Presentations went from being just something to get over with, to an opportunity to advocate for what I am passionate about, and she gave me the courage to talk about hard subjects.
Earlier this year, I decided to take a public speaking class because of how much I was enjoying Speech and Debate, along with a poetry writing class. I had the opportunity to make my education something I was excited about and I had the courage to write a speech that not only allowed me to share a very personal piece of my life, but I was able to dedicate it to a very close friend of mine. I could never have done this without the courage that Mrs.Zika gave me. This year as a captain of my team I've gotten to watch her encourage other students to find their voice just like she encouraged me, and I'm so very thankful to have her as my couch and friend.