Page 47 - Adopt-a-School Foundation 2016-2017 Annual Report

2 nd plAce
Sibanyoni Nosiphosethu
Grade 12
Emjindini Senior Secondary
School

The Experience of Overcoming of Learners. To my surprise, my name was minutes.
My Fear pinned on the notice board. I knew Kelly Listening to the other presentations was
had nominated me and I was furious. The
Every human has a prison. A prison without principal summoned all the nominees to nerve-wrecking as I was the last speaker. My
walls or security, a prison worse than even the foyer where he told us to prepare our turn came, I was so anxious, I could hear my
death that only exists in our minds. Most campaign speeches for Friday assembly. I heartbeat like an African drum. My stomach
of us are unable but those who do, find was startled, I knew I had to face my fear and was in knots, my knees were vigorously
everlasting freedom. That prison is called only had three days to do so. Kelly assured shaking and my palms profusely sweating.
fear. I went closer to the microphone, closed
me that I was going to nail it and it was time my eyes for a second, took a deep breath,
Growing up I was one of the thousands who to come out of my comfort zone. cleared my throat, and then started talking.
have glossophobia. I was a shy, nerdy girl I went home and told my mother. She was
who loved reading and singing but only overwhelmed and she offered her help. The It was as if my speech was prepared for
sang at home and when I was with Kelly, following three days were the most hectic the king. I was perfectly flowing just like
my best friend. My classmates were friendly, days of my life. I was patiently coached Kelly anticipated. After my presentation,
but some took advantage of my shyness on how to present myself in front of my everyone was on their feet applauding. I felt
and bullied me. Kelly would always be at my audience, my body posture and on my like royalty. I was proud of myself. I won and
rescue. became the school president.
breathing patterns.
I always had trouble with oral presentation. It was then Friday. I dressed best in my From that moment I gained courage, I learnt
I was always the last one to present, but school uniform, my mother wished me that running away from your problem is not
always rendered the best speeches. I would luck and I was off to school. Inside the a solution, as the saying goes “he who fights
always wish I was just like my vibrant, fearless school’s auditorium, the whole school was and runs away lives to fight another day”.
and enthusiastic best friend. When you overcome your fears you gain
sited according to the respective rankings. strength to face bigger problems later in life,
We were in the tenth grade when it was The principal introduced us and gave us and you become free.
time to choose our Representative Council the platform, each speaker was given five

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