The first time I participated in a school contest was when I was 13. I was in Form 1 and it was a poetry reciting contest.
I remember that morning. My mum got up early too to braid my hair and I also remember one of my classmates made fun of it, “You braid your hair purposely for the contest?” And she laughed at me.
Well, yes I did. Because it was a big deal for me. My first contest and I wanted to do & look my best.
I composed the poetry myself about a mother’s love for her child and I practiced over and over again to make sure I express every line well. I placed first.
Oh that feeling of winning, it felt really good. So the following year & the year after I participated in the same contest again and I placed first again & again.
Then when I was in Form 4, I got cocky. I didn’t even bother to comb my hair & I didn’t practice as hard as I should cause I thought, “I got this.” Yes, you’ve guessed it right. Just like that famous fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare”, supercilious me lost that year. To a junior who was a first time contestant, no less.
Though I was devastated losing & placing 2nd, it turned out to be one of the most important lessons in my life. Just because your competition is young and inexperienced, you never underestimate their capabilities.
Always keep your guard up and do your best, regardless.
Bimbo
#WeekendStories #Firsts #LifeLongLessons #ExperienceisEverything
