I’m Vinarya Sinnatambi, and I’m 12. Public speaking can be scary as standing in front of a crowd can make you super nervous. My public speaking journey started with the Saraswathy English Challenge (SEC) by Basis Bay. In March 2024, I submitted a 1-minute video on "My Inspiring Hero – Ramanujan, the Great Mathematician" for the preliminary round. Out of 2,400 entries, I was overjoyed to be one of the 30 semi-finalists for the online presentation round. When I was selected as top ten finalists, it felt like a dream come true. But with that came the pressure of delivering a speech on the importance of self-help for disenfranchised minority groups.

 

During the SEC grand finals, while on stage, my confidence just fell apart. As fate would have it, I was not well, and the last-minute script change probably was a reason for this most painful experience where I simply stood still, unable to speak or move. This impacted me deeply and I developed a phobia over even the word Saraswathy sadly, that lingered on in the days and weeks that followed.

 

My mother, my strongest pillar reminded me that I must not allow my experience at SEC define me. This is when, my school English teacher Ms. Subathra, whose unwavering belief in me made all the difference. She taught me the invaluable lessons of resilience and the power of relentless practice. With her guidance, I trained hard at home with my family, focusing on improving my speech content, stage presence, and learning to manage my anxiety while growing stronger and more confident.

 

At the Language Carnival by Majlis Guru Besar Tamil, I proudly represented my school in the district-level public speaking competition. My prepared speech on "Humanity" went smoothly, but the real challenge came with the impromptu round. When I drew the topic "My Most Memorable Day," memories of my previous painful experience came rushing back, making my heart race. Taking a deep breath, I gathered every ounce of courage and began sharing how the unexpected challenges at the SEC had shaken me. As I spoke, the memories became more vivid, and I felt a lump forming in my throat. The emotions were real, and tears welled up. With a trembling voice, I continued, telling the story of how, my family had been my rock when they surprised me by gifting me the iPad Pro, I dreamt of buying had I won the prize money. That act of kindness transformed a difficult day into my most memorable one. As I finished, the room was silent, and I knew I had shared something meaningful.

 

I went on to compete at the Selangor state level against the best of the best from 21 districts. Seeing two of the top ten finalists from SEC there reminded me of how I had failed in front of the same people before. Somehow, this time when a little voice whispered in my head, you are not strong enough to withstand the storm...I whispered back...but I am the storm. I took the stage with confidence and was crowned the Selangor public speaking champion. The rest, as they say, is history.

 

My journey from the SEC experience to becoming a state champion has taught me an important lesson: real success often comes from turning setbacks into opportunities to grow. My sweet success is a testament to the power of perseverance. I hope my story inspires other students facing similar struggles, reminding them that quite often the hardest trials can lead to great triumphs.