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My Journey From Innocence To Experience

Have you ever stood on stage in front of a crowd? I have. On my second day of school, a debate competition was held. At the time, I didn't even know what a debate was. The topic was "Are school uniforms beneficial or not?" I had only looked up the definition of "beneficial" and gathered a few basic facts about school attire.

However, the event turned out to be much bigger than I had anticipated. My classmates were practicing hard, constantly glancing at papers filled with carefully written speeches. I had only come prepared with the meaning of one word. Before I could process the situation, my name was called.

I stepped onto the stage. Everyone was watching, all the teachers were present, and the only sound I could hear was the pounding of my heart. The sight of the audience, the whirring of the ceiling fan, and the light streaming in from outside things I wanted to ignore. I felt like needles pricking my skin. I wanted to step off the stage, run out of the room, and escape back to yesterday. But I couldn't. I stood straight, recited the few things I had remembered from Google, said "thank you," and left the stage. Everyone clapped, but I knew it wasn't because my speech was good; it was just out of courtesy. That was my first debate and the first time I had ever stood on a stage.

A few months later, another debate competition was announced. While copying notes off the whiteboard, a thought hit me: "I have to do well this time. I don't want anyone to think I'm someone who can't speak properly on stage while others excel." The topic was "Reading books is better than reading on a screen." That was the moment my pursuit of redemption began.

I started by watching debate videos on YouTube to learn proper technique. When I began writing my speech, I realized the importance of using clear examples and sharp comparisons. I practiced relentlessly every morning before school and every night before bed. I put in every ounce of effort I had.

Finally, the day arrived. I was no longer the unprepared student relying on quick Google searches. When my name was called, I walked onto the stage with a microphone in hand. I had assumed that thorough preparation and practice would eliminate my anxiety, but I was wrong. I was even more nervous than the first time.

Why? Because the time, effort, and relentless practice had raised the stakes. I was terrified of disappointing myself again; I couldn't bear the thought of failing at something others did so effortlessly. But the only path forward was to deliver what I had rehearsed.

The sight of the crowd, the hum of the fan, and the light from outside were identical to the first time. Yet, how I felt was completely different. When the audience applauded this time, I knew it was genuine.

After all the debaters finished, the judge stepped forward to announce the winner. A moment later, my name was called.

Now, one year later, I am returning to that same competition—this time as the judge.