Life Changing Moment

Salam.

     I am going to turn 19 soon. I kept telling others especially my mom that I'm old. I am old. Why. I am old. Just before 2013 ended, I met my old friends. From school friend to childhood friends and so on. I easily agreed to go out, with an intention in my heart, I would like to know how the old friends see the new me. People who I haven't met for such a long time. I won't expect for more, don't need to treat me foods, I just.. dying to know how people that haven't seen me for such a long time react to 'Nadhirah in her 18'.

   I remembered how I talked a lot with the friends after school but was so passive in the class. I always slept behind the class and ... haha. I only participated the sports team, just.... Of course, Scouts.. just.. just because my friends were in the team too. However the point is, I lack of communication skill.

    I transformed a lot when I turn 17. Something that I never thought I would do, I did it. I started the journey when I was 16. I went to the teachers, and I told them that I wanted to do this and that, I grabbed every single opportunity. I remembered how I asked Ustazah Q to choose me to go for MTQ 2012. At the end of the day she said she chose the senior, and she will send me for MTQ on 2013. I'm not that upset, because why would she choose me at the first place. I am nobody in this area (LOL). I also entered the Pantun Competition, when I wasn't really sure about my skill.

Debate

   One day, I heard one of my classmate will enter the debate competition, he will represent the school. Without any hesitation, I told him I wanted to enter the competition too. Again, I'm not really sure about what I can or cannot do when it comes to debate. So he sent my name. The team was actually searching for member. Before my name reached the team, they already have enough member. One of the senior member of the team came to me and tell me that. How? She came to me, hugged me and told me that she's sorry that I can't get into the team, but I can join the practice session. So nice of her, being that caring. I was touched by her manner, instead of feeling sad, I was smiling. Again, why would I get accepted when I never did anything related to communication skill? Too early to give up, I continue to improve my communication skill and dangg! The team called me and told me they need me back because one of the member had something to do on the competition day so he left. It was such an experience, the seniors helped me a lot, I was so thankful to them for having me. I learned a lot from them. May Allah bless. I'm not that good at the time, so yeah.. We only made it to second round but the experience is what I valued most.

  Joining the team, I realized that I am bad when it comes to general knowledge. They simply draft the idea and use the bombastic words. Before that, you need to know that the debate competition is in Bahasa. Instead of telling them,  "I won't be any help for the team" or  "I would like to withdraw" I spent my night researching and watching some videos to get some information on how can my presents help the team. After practicing in front of the mirror, I found myself improving. The next day, we practiced as a team, too bad I still can't do it like I did when I was alone. Whatever! It means I need to practice more and more. I then practice in front of my close friends and my family, which help a lot. It was a busy week, I can't stand those who updated their status on Facebook saying that 'I'm bored' , at the time I just wished I can buy time but that won't happen.

  This is totally a whole new thing in my life. At first I was afraid to join because my lack of skill, but when there's a will there's a way. Plus, Allah is always with us. What I'm trying to say is, we really need to have the courage to do something that is out of our comfort zone. Some people started to do all this at a young age, in my case I was a bit late because I only have the courage to speak confidently in front of the public when I was 16 year-old.

Lesson Learned

1. If I think I was good, there are people who are million times better than me.
2. Knowledge is power! Learn, learn and learn.
3. There's no easy road, practice makes perfect!
4. Mistakes are meant to be learned. Nobody has zero mistake.
5. To fail is when you stop trying.
6. Focus on your task.
7. Keep calm and pray.
8. Your hardwork will pay you.

Tips - Debate

  While having myself in the team, I learned few tips on how to be a good debater. I got it from the teachers, friends, seniors, family and of course Google.com

1. Set your intention. *If it was to show others how good you are, you might be extra stress
2. Pray that Allah will ease everything and may this be your way to please HIM.
3. Gather information regarding the topic. *The most helpful way is by asking your teacher
4. Sort out the information by classifying it.
5. Make an essay and jot down the important points on crib cards. *You can refer some examples
6. Plan on how you want to debate. *Watch some debate competition videos would help
7. Find answer or possible questions from your competitor.
8. Practice in front of the mirror and make sure you have a good timing.
9. Practice in front of your close friends or family.
10. Practice whenever you free.
11. Lastly, seek for Allah forgiveness and Tawakkal.

'Indeed Allah loves those who have tawakkal'

  That's all from me, and oh.. You need to prepare for both agree or disagree if you are competing. This is because most of the time they won't tell you weather you'll be agreeing or the opposite until the day of the competition.

  Since that day, I have no problem with talking in front of the public. I started to MC-ing and give Tazkirah in the school and is known for that. I also started to read more books and my writing skill improved. The next debate competition was easier because of this experience.

  Now that I am in IIUM, I need to polish this skill more and more. New place with unfamiliar people, need to start over. I hope this post will benefit you in any possible way.