CHOO CHIA LYNN Class 4D1( 2013)
FINDING YOUR VOICE
Chia Lynn overcame her introverted self to become a leader in her Co-curricular Activity and Academic Programme.
I had to sing, cheer and be enthusiastic, in public. I had to interview and talk to strangers. I had to recite my writing, to the whole school. I had to do things which are out of my comfort zone, things which go against who I am- an introvert.
To some, speaking in front of a large crowd is not difficult. To me however, it is terrifying. How did I overcome this fear?
I am actually thankful for the trials because I emerged victorious. For me, the driving forces are the passion I have for my commitments- my Co-curricular Activities and the Science Mentorship Programme. Being in Girl Guides and Digital Journalism helped me break out of my shell to start talking to people. I wanted so badly to show everyone that being quiet did not mean I could not take the lead or be heard.
I wanted to lead my juniors in Girl Guides, to teach and help them grow, but how could I? I was too timid and practically voiceless, but I was determined to do it. That hunger drove me to persevere, to break out, and to be the leader that I am today.
My passion in writing also pushed me. I told myself: if I ever wanted to write good articles and stories, then I must gather the courage to speak to people. In journalism, stories always originate through speaking to others. If I did not talk to any sources, my writing would just be bland and biased.
When I was selected to be in the Science-in-Action Programme, I was extremely excited. I had the opportunity to carry out laboratory work and be a scientist, researching about the ways of the world. Little did I know that we had to present our research, not once, but a few times. Results and data in my research would not be‘ real’ if I did not present it to the world.
One of the biggest breakthroughs would be that day when I presented my poem to the school. I wrote the poem, Ode to Mother, as a tribute to all mothers, who never stop caring and loving their children. It was for the annual World Thinking Day of Girl Guides, and it gave me the platform to express my passion and love for writing.
It is fine to be an introvert, but I cannot keep mum and lock myself up forever. With perseverance, resilience, determination, passion and love, I will succeed.
Find your Voice, and let the world hear it.
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