It all started on a busy night when I rushed to finish my homework. My mother came across a message sent by my class teacher. It was about a competition called the Saraswathy English Challenge (SEC)—not just an ordinary competition but a public speaking competition with a grand cash prize of RM20,000 sponsored by Basis Bay! My jaw dropped after hearing the message; read out loud by my mother. I kept aside my homework and asked, “Mom, can I join this competition?”.  My mom told me that there would be no turning back if I joined the competition and that I would need to give my full commitment, no matter how challenging it might be. Though it sounded like a risk to me, I promised to cooperate.

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We were given one month to submit a one-minute video of public speaking. I chose the title “The best day of my life” as I could easily express my catamaran cruise experience in Langkawi. I thought it would be easy, but it was not, as it was my first experience participating in a public speaking competition. I was not sure if my body language and hand gestures were good enough for the competition. I was in a state of confusion. However, my parents advised me to confidently deliver the speech using my own style and expressions to sound natural. And it worked! I was satisfied with the outcome and submitted the one-minute video.  

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A few months later, I received the good news that I was selected as one of the 40 semi-finalists out of more than 2000 participants from Malaysian Tamil schools! I felt great and gained the confidence to perform even better in the second round. The title was given, and the semifinal competition was announced to be held within three days. I was freaking out in fear because I could barely understand the title. My parents advised me to understand, learn and familiarise with the titles through online reading. We discussed together and chose the title “Missing the Forest for the Tree.” It was very challenging for me to relate this idiom to the minorities in Malaysia.  My parents explained the past and current scenarios of minorities in Malaysia and the challenges that they had experienced in their lives. Later, the SEC team and Mrs. Vimalavathy gave us online coaching on public speaking. That session was beneficial and cleared all my doubts about public speaking. I was prepared for the second round of the competition held via Zoom online platform. I sat in front of the computer nervously waiting for my turn while listening to the excellent presentations by my co-contestants. When my name was announced, my adrenaline spiked up. I took a deep breath and started delivering my speech. I left the Zoom platform with mixed feelings.

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The next morning, while in a deep sleep, I heard a faded voice congratulating me! “Joshua! You are one of the top 10 finalists! “WHAT!!!”. I got up from the bed. It was not a dream. I was overwhelmed with happiness. But the most challenging part started a few weeks later. Again, just three days before the finals, we were given a lengthy topic filled with unfamiliar words that I could barely understand. In short, it was about how self-help could help the marginalized communities in Malaysia. My parents and I brainstormed the topic and created a script, and I memorized it in three days. My English teacher, Mr. Chandran, and my school teachers too guided and motivated me. Most importantly, I was well-educated about the topic and my script. Cross questions were asked to assess my knowledge and understanding of the subject as part of the preparation. I was nervous as it was my first time participating in a live public speaking competition in front of distinguished individuals such as successful businessmen, Dato’ Praba Thiagarajah, the Executive Chairman of Basis Bay, industry professionals and the esteemed judges. But I told myself that I had to break my barriers. No turning back! I remember my promise to my parents that I would take one step at a time and give my best possible, as opportunity does not always knock on your door.

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The competition started. My hands trembled. I murmured my speech again and again while the other finalists delivered theirs. It was my turn. I went up to the stage and delivered my speech as best as I could. Since I had learned the topic well, I was able to answer the question posted by the Chief Judge. I was satisfied that I did my best. Guess what, I was selected as one of the top three grand finalists. The grand final was even more challenging as we had to answer questions spontaneously. I responded to the question based on my understanding and knowledge. To my greatest surprise, I was announced as the GRAND CHAMPION of the SEC. I felt so blessed, grateful, and overwhelmed with immense joy at being the champion in my first public speaking attempt. It was a great and priceless experience in my life.

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Being the SEC champion, my self-motivation and level of confidence have increased tremendously. I have started participating actively in my class activities more than before. I have improved my mental strength, especially in embracing the challenges in my studies with a positive attitude. I have started reading English novels and magazines; and browsing the online resources on SEC website to further improve my grammar, writing skills, and English fluency. I aspire to publish stories on my own blog in the near future. 

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In conclusion, this competition taught me to never give up and most importantly to improve my English proficiency. Furthermore, I had the chance to meet inspiring and successful people. I have learnt about the challenges minorities face and how quality education and English proficiency can lead to better opportunities in the future. I would cherish this incredible journey throughout my life. This would be a stepping stone for me to become a learned person, responsible and help the marginalized societies in the future. I truly believe in the power and importance of English language in helping me to materialize my visions.