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Gurpriya Kaur Gandham

At ten years old, I stood proudly with a third-place trophy at a
speech competition, unaware that this early accolade would lead to a
false sense of comfort that I would always be successful. In the
following years, I would achieve small wins at other speech
competitions, but they never matched the high goals I set for myself.

There were points where I wanted to give up, but my mom motivated
me by relating her childhood speech competition journeys,
sympathizing with disappointments, yet emphasizing that

perseverance and faith pay off.

I gathered feedback from previous judges on weaknesses and studied recordings of winning speeches
to become a better speaker. This success continued to motivate me, as I spent many sleepless nights
in rigorous preparation, resulting in winning two years in a row at the international level at the Sri
Hemkunt Foundation Symposium.

My several years of experience taught me how to accept loss, to refuse complacency, and to keep
growing. This shift in mindset not only impacted how I viewed speech competitions, but also prepared
me for unexpected challenges in academics. When I received grades lower than I hoped for, I
persisted, reminding myself that I should focus on improvement rather than perfection.

As with speech, I learned to take setbacks in stride and continue striving for success. This ability to
persevere helped me find success and fulfillment as an ambitious competitor in speech and as a
diligent student.

I am eager to apply these principles as I face new challenges with continued resilience as an incoming
student at UC Berkeley. The Hemkunt Speech competitions have profoundly impacted my life, and I will
continue to return and volunteer at these events to motivate young children and spend time with those
who have motivated me.

To any young participants reading this, I wish you all the best, and no matter the results, never give
up, as you will one day realize how beneficial this symposium will be. The Hemkunt Symposium not only
teaches valuable Sikh history but also imparts invaluable skills applicable to your current and future
life.

Gurpriya Kaur Gandham

My several years of experience taught me how to accept loss, to refuse complacency,
and to keep growing.

My mom motivated me by relating her childhood speech competition journeys,

sympathizing with disappointments, yet emphasizing that perseverance and faith pay

off.