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Rachel Landen was a local and district winner after
two tries in the contest. She took her $1,500 college scholarship to East
Carolina University where she is currently enrolled in the University Honors
program.
"My parents have always said that my sister has never
met a stranger. I, on the other hand, am pretty much the complete opposite.
I have always been shy and quiet. And unfortunately, my timidity has often
held me back from doing things that I might enjoy or find success in because
I am fearful of failing when all eyes are on me.
"So when I entered the Optimist Oratorical Contest
during the eighth grade, I was doing something that was totally out of
character for me. I got second place on the local level that year, so it
seemed that I didn't come away as the big winner. But I think that in truth,
I really did. I wrote a speech, practiced it over and over again, and
finally delivered it in front of a group of judges and an audience. I was
disappointed that I didn't win the event, but I gained so much more than a
medal or money. My confidence and my ability to speak in front of others
grew immensely.
"I competed two more years in the oratorical contest.
With each writing and revision, speech rehearsal, and competition, I became
a better writer, a better speaker and a more confident individual. If I
could face one of my biggest fears, what couldn't I do? And finally, I more
than put those fears aside; I conquered them. I won first place in the final
round of the [District] Optimist Oratorical Contest, and I came away with a
$1,500 college scholarship that has been a great asset to me in my studies
at East Carolina University.
"The money was
terrific, but I must say that the even greater rewards were the increased
confidence, improved writing and speaking abilities, and the bonds and
friendships that I formed with a group of incredibly supportive and
encouraging group of Optimists along the way. The whole experience was
memorable and beneficial. At the time, the risk may have appeared
great, but I assure you that the rewards were much greater."
--Rachel Landen
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