By Honorary Reporter Tanzzila Shaikh from India

Photos = Tanzzila Shaikh

When I first went to the All-India Korean Speech Contest as a spectator, I thought the contestants on stage speaking confidently in front of so many people were cool. I also wanted to compete, so I applied for the competition the next year.

My speech was on my learning of traditional Korean music. I practiced for more than three weeks daily, repeating my speech many times. It wasn't easy to perfect the expressions and pronunciations, but I tried my best. I was a little scared to go on stage so first I practiced in front of my classmates, friends and family and even while riding public transportation. This helped me to cope with stage fright.

I participated at the beginner level. My teachers were so supportive and helped me whenever I asked extra questions and needed help with pronunciation. This is how I could finally perform in front of so many cameras and people for the first time in a long time.

The writer is on stage performing her speech in Korean. (Tanzzila Shaikh)

Several of my friends were also in the competition, so I grew less nervous in seeing a few familiar faces around me. I was happy just to be on stage in front of many people telling them my story. Some of my teachers came to see me, saying I did a good job.

I felt emotional in seeing people appreciating my efforts and my friends cheering me on. I didn't win an award but the memorable experience was like a prize to me. I remember someone telling me, "Hurdles teach you a lesson. Even if you've fallen, you've fall beautifully. You can still get up and complete the rest of the race."

A photo from last year's competition (Tanzzila Shaikh)

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.