St. Andrew Secondary School was a big and popular school in the city of Port Harcourt. It was known for its brilliant and bright champions that it produced every year. Every year, there was always a debate between St. Andrew's and other secondary schools around, starting from the junior category to the senior ones.
This year, the principal decided to pick from each class, from Class A to Class C. Everybody wanted to be picked, and they were raising their hands. Kachi was very quiet and refused to raise his hand, not because he wasn't brilliant but because he had stage fright. However, the principal picked him from among the crowd to represent the school.
Kachi felt like the ground should open up and swallow him. After all the students had been selected, Kachi ran out to find his friend Ade sitting under a mango tree.
Ade! Ade! Kachi shouted, whining like a child.
Hi kachi, what's up, why are you sucking Ade asked closing his book.
I was selected for the upcoming debate; Kachi answered.
Oh wow! That's great news. So, why the long face, Ade asked, raising his eyebrow.
You know that I have glossophobia,' Kachi replied, almost in tears.
That's a little thing you have there. I will help you to overcome it. Chill up, dear. Ade, tap him on the back.
The day of the big debate had finally arrived, and Kachi could barely breathe.
He can't believe that he was going to represent his class and school at the all-school-wide debate, which is a huge deal. Students from all classes, school, and even some visiting parents would be watching. The school principal, known for her strict eyes and even stricter judgment, would be there too.
Kachi stood by the water fountain, flipping through his notepad and mumbling his lines to himself. Every word looked familiar, but somehow, they all felt new. His palms were sweaty. His stomach churned. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't even notice when Ade came close to him.
"Are you okay?" asked Ade.
He shook his head, voice low. "No. I don't think I can do this."
"You've prepared for this all month," Ade said, trying to encourage him.
"Exactly. And what if I mess it up after all that work?" Kachi asked.
Ade gave him his classic 'don't be silly' look and punched him lightly on the arm. "Kachi, don't sweat it.
You're not going to mess up. You've got this." "But I'm not like you," he muttered. "You could stand on stage, do a cartwheel, and still get a standing ovation."
"Well yes, I agree, you are not me. That's what makes it better. You are Kachi, a brilliant champ that has been hiding under the shadows and it's time for you to shine."
Kachi didn't think public speaking was anyone's idea of fun. But he nodded anyway.
The debate was held in the school auditorium, a large, echoing hall with a wooden stage and blinding overhead lights. Rows of chairs filled quickly. Classmates whispered, teachers stood at the back, and the judges—six stern-looking staff members from his school and other schools—and the principal sat in front with clipboards in hand.
The moderator called the first speaker. Then the second. Then the third. Kachi was the fourth.
As he walked to the stage, his feet felt like they were made of bricks. The microphone loomed in front of him, and he could already imagine it squealing like it always did when someone nervous stepped up.
He looked at the crowd.
Blank.
His mind had gone blank.
His palm was sweaty, his heart racing, and his stomach felt hot like he was going to purge.
Then, in the crowd, he saw Ade. Calm, smiling, giving him a thumbs up.
He remembered his words and mouthed the words clearly: 'Don't sweat it.'
Kachi exhaled slowly. He looked down at his first notebook, and then it happened. One line came back. Then another. Like puzzle pieces clicking into place. Then he cleared his throat and lifted up his face.
'My name is Kachi Okoronkwo,' he began, his voice a little shaky, and today, I stand to oppose the motion that says education is not a scam.
The first few sentences felt robotic, but then something shifted after seeing his friend hailing him in the background.He looked up.He began to speak not just with words but with energy and emotion.And when he made a joke, nervous and unsure, it landed. People laughed.
For the first time in his life, Kachi felt powerful.
When he concluded, there was a pause, then applause.
When the final result was announced, Ade came second.
Images are Ai generated
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