The Day I Discovered My Love for Public Speaking

When I was in 5th grade, my school had a rule only students from grades 6 to 10 were allowed to read the news headlines and recite a proverb during the morning assembly. One day, out of sheer curiosity, I asked my principal why younger students weren’t given the same opportunity. Instead of giving me a reason, he gave me a chance. “Recite a proverb tomorrow in the assembly,” he said.

I was thrilled! I ran home, eager to prepare, and asked my mother to choose the simplest proverb for me. She wrote: "A friend in need is a friend indeed." I asked her what it meant, and she explained it with an example that made it easy for me to understand.

I must have practiced my lines a hundred times that evening:

"Hello everyone, very good morning! I am Sana from Class 5, Section A. Today's proverb is A friend in need is a friend indeed. It means we all have friends, but the one who helps us in times of need is a true friend. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

My mother, knowing my excitement (and possible nerves), wrote it on a small piece of paper and tucked it into my geometry box. "If you forget, don’t panic. Just open the box and read it. But don’t stop in between," she advised.

The next morning, I stood on the stage, looked at the sea of students before me, and delivered my lines with confidence. The moment I finished, the entire school erupted in applause. My principal, smiling, took out his pen and gifted it to me right there in the assembly.

That was the day I realized something powerful i loved speaking in front of people. That moment sparked a passion in me for public speaking, one that still drives me today.

Opportunities often come when we least expect them. Sometimes, all we need to do is ask. And when the moment arrives, we must embrace it with all our heart 💜