Ever since I found out there would be another speech contest during the spring semester, I was determined to participate in it. Last time, it didn't go as planned, and so I wanted a chance to redeem myself. Therefore, during the spring break, I had plans to write my speech ahead of time. But just as any other goal I set myself for that spring break, it didn't happen. But I did find a topic on which I wished to write my speech.

This time around I wanted to write something funny. Soon came the time where the teachers started mentioning the speech contest in class. This time, it would be slightly different. I could just sign up to the eliminations, give a speech and get to participate in the university contest.

No.

This time, I had to first be in the top three of my class. Then the top three would compete against the top three of the third class, making us six in total, but only ONE would be allowed to compete in the university's contest.

When came the time to write our speeches in class, it was at the same time we had our mid-term exam as well as making our preparations to go to the middle school in Yokohama. I had already told myself that I was going to make it to the university contest, but the teacher didn't quite realize that. They gave us very limited time to write our speeches in our own words.

See, I wanted to first write my speech in English, then get my dad to translate it, then review it many times with my friends, obtaining a variety of opinions, then lastly, revise it all with my teachers. It did end up going through all those steps, but during a much shorter amount of time than I had planned.

Finally, came the day for the 4th class's contest. I performed my speech almost perfectly. Having learned from last time, nerves were not needed here. According to plan, I was selected to be among the top three of the class who would then compete the next day with the upper class.

Video: https://youtu.be/KvSFlynERPM

The next day, the nerve level was cool. I had prepared enough, I was relaxed. I was there, in the moment. I ended up being the first one to present. I stood up in front of both classes, and performed my speech. I missed two quite important lines in the middle of my speech this time, but I still felt good about it. I had learned to just go with it, and not show that I made a mistake... which ended up working.

After a short break, the professors returned to the classroom with the results in their heads. The first girl called up was Sara, a Mongolian women from my class who had spoken about her life as a young mother going to university. At this point, I wasn't sure if this meant she was the one to compete in the university contest, but my friend Nadi kept reassuring me. Next called up was Mai, a half-Japanese, half-Israelian girl from the third class, who's speech had been about gay marriages in her country.

This time, before calling the name of the next person, the teacher announced that this next student had performed the best speech, and would be the one to perform in the university's contest. Hopes high, heart beating, I waited.

...


...


...


My name was CALLED!

I walked to the front of the class, proud, ready to receive my certificate.

Now tomorrow, I'm going to perform my speech in front of many Japanese students for another chance to win this contest. I am prepared and ready to go. This time, I won't let the nerves get to me. This time, I won't hold back.

I performed my speech last Friday in front of all the Bekka students. I wore a purple dress shirt with grey suit pants. I was clean, ready and calm. I had practiced my speech enough. I knew what  I was going to tell my audience. When my turn came, I walked up to the microphone, took a deep breath, and let it all out. I ended up performing my speech a little too fast. I also unconsciously missed a few words here and there, but I still believe I performed well. I walked off stage a little frustrated but somewhat satisfied. By the time the last contestant had finished his speech, I was fairly confident I had a shot at winning the contest. While the judges left the room to consult, a few of the students had been asked to organize a few short skits to help pass time. I went over to my teachers, first Mrs. Nishiyama, who insisted I had performed well. After that, I spent a good ten minutes talking to Mrs. Miyagi. She told me that my intonation had still some work to do and perhaps the speech could have also been modified a little more.

Video: https://youtu.be/nUUFvv3yCQ4

The judged returned to the room, and the contestants were all called up on stage. The first girl to receive a prize was the girl from the lowest class. She had been first to perform, but yet had done it quite well considering her Japanese level. Next called up was... me. I was really hoping to win the contest, but I knew in that moment I had been placed in second. I received my certificate and bookstore-money-card-prize and returned to my place in line. The first place winner ended up being the student from the 5th class, one level below me. I personally had liked his speech, but I did find it a little cheezy. But if the judges believed it to be better, it must be so.

After the whole thing, how do I feel? Well, I do believe that I improved. Just as I say in my speech, my experiences (mistakes) of the past have brought me to a higher level of understanding and potential. I may not have won the contest, but I ended up being second out of all the Bekka students. That's quite an achievement if you ask me. I even beat many of those from the higher class.