“Isabella, Come here for a second! I have something to tell you,” My mother called me from my room. I could already discern an ominous feeling from her words. “You know, I got a call from your friend. She’s asking if you can join her team in the debate tournament. It seems like their coach is your old teacher”
There it was: the bad news I was expecting. Thoughts started whirling madly like a squirrel spinning around on its treadmill. The first word that instantly came out of my mouth was “no.”
I had an unpleasant experience with debate. At first, I used to like debating. I liked speaking and working together with teammates. However, I was admitted into the hagwon’s “varsity” class after taking several tests, which was what overturned my opinion about debate. The classes were overwhelming and stressful, like being confined in a cage. There was too much homework, and the teachers were tigers. They would constantly attack us with harsh comments, and I felt anxious in every class I went to. I tried to break through the bars thousands of times but was only able to escape after competing and earning an award in a tournament. Due to this traumatic experience, I quit debating and cast walls between myself and debate, never even looking at it again.
After thinking about this, I decided to give it a try. I couldn’t let my friend down, and I had always had a bittersweet emotion about not being able to fully enjoy debate because of the traumatic experience. In addition, their coach was one of the most affectionate teachers I knew. He was the only instructor I actually liked in the cruel debate training. My mother and friend were thrilled when I acknowledged this decision; her expressions brightened like the sun.
Holding onto anticipation and timidity, I went to my first preparation class. My teammates were all welcoming, and the teachers were passionate. One of the teachers was like a comedian, making us burst into laughter. On the first day, our team went against the teacher. This was my first time debating in a while, and the fact that I had to argue with world-class debaters made me nervous. When the debate started, I couldn’t hear a single thing; it was as if someone muted all the voices. My papers were unorganized and scattered all over the place, and my brain was a mixture of chaotic thoughts and worries that prevented me from thinking. Finally, it was my turn to speak. I dragged myself to the podium, glanced at my paper, and realized I would fail miserably. The words were like another language. I couldn’t read a single sentence I wrote! Yet, I started speaking. Thump… Thump… My heart beated rapidly like a drum, and sweat rolled down my back like raindrops. I was unable to proceed with my speech. Just then, my legs started shaking wildly, lost complete strength, and Thud! I fell to my knees, right in front of my teammates and teachers. Everyone was looking at me, amused, like I was a monkey at the zoo. I almost died of embarrassment.
The preparation for the competition didn’t start off ideally, but I made tremendous improvement in the following classes. After practicing every week and persevering, I grew significantly, was proficient at debate, and was fully prepared for the battle I had ahead. I was like a caterpillar going through a rapid metamorphosis: cocooning and preparing to develop into a dazzling butterfly.
My old, apprehensive self had now vanished, and confidence finally visited my soul. On the day of the tournament, my potential burst open like water streaming out after a dam collapse. I made excellent speeches and lost several times, but spending time with my peers was still entertaining. In the end, we received a 2nd place prize, which was higher than the prize I received in the previous tournament. All our teammates jumped with joy and jubilation at our achievements.
Now, I consider debate as a very interesting and entertaining activity, and I even hope to continue learning and try again next year. This experience was definitely an eye-opening and valuable experience. I was able to learn that you should not be afraid to make new attempts, because you might end up enjoying something.
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