Finding My Voice by Victoria

Finding My Voice by Victoria - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

September 6th will be my last first day of high school. Looking back on the past three years is strange because I feel like just yesterday I was thinking about my first day of high school. At some points I wished the year would go by faster, and at other times I wished it would slow down. Overall these past years have been memorable, and I know there is a lot more that will happen next year including when I decide what college I will go to next fall. And even though high school wasn’t as ‘musical’ or perfect as it is on TV or in movies, it really is a time to learn and grow.

In my English class freshman year I had to write a controversial issue essay on the topic of my choice, and then present it to the class. Sophomore year I took a class called Speech and Communication. I memorized a 15 minute story and recited to my class. I was nervous because the class was composed of all juniors and seniors, excluding myself. Nevertheless, I was happy to be sharing a complete stranger’s story. This was an assignment that everyone had to complete, but mine was unusually long. In my English class junior year I had to write an essay and deliver a speech on a person in conflict with society. Of course this speech was only 4 minutes and I wrote it myself, but I had to present it in front of another class and teachers. Next year I will take part in senior debates. About three classes worth of kids will compile the audience, and there will be a panel of judges consisting of teachers as well. I am not worried.

For years I accepted just being a member of student council, but not running for office because I did not want to give a speech in front of my entire grade. This year, I was not worried about delivering the speech. Not only did I give my speech on a stage in front of my whole grade, I won. The many opportunities that my teachers provided me with to talk in front of various groups for different assignments ultimately changed my life. Yes, that is a bit of an exaggeration. However, the ability to confidently and eloquently speak is truly an invaluable gift that I will use for the rest of my life-through my college years and career that follows.