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they were the most interesting shoes in the world. doesn’t mean I wasn’t nervous. It just means
But then I realized something. Linda was going I’ve acknowledged that fear is always there and

to look at me and realize that I was trying to I know how to deal with it.
avoid contact, and as soon as that thought flits So here’s my advice to those who are
through my mind, all I hear is, “Zayan, would plagued by fear. In whatever you’re doing, don’t
you like to go first?” go in blind.

So I got up and played my piece, but a bit less I was picked to go first three times in a row,
nervous this time. and while that wasn’t really fun the first time,
Finally comes the day that I remember or the second time, or even the third time, it
so clearly. I came and sat down, and as soon became easier every time.

as everyone arrived, I remember thinking to Know what you’re dealing with, and that
myself, okay, there is no possibility in this world experience will eliminate the first third of your
that I could be picked first again. I mean, there’s fear. Once you have experience, that will lead to
nothing to justify it, it’s morally wrong. If she confidence in what you’re doing.

asks me again I’ll just say, “No thanks, I’m good, Even if you don’t feel confident, act like it,
I think I’ll just sit this one out. When people see that in you, you really will feel
But what do you know, Linda looked over and confident. With that, the second third of your
asked me that same question she asked last time fear is gone.

and the time before. But this time, I wasn’t afraid. Lastly, confidence will lead to belief in what
I got up, unafraid. I introduced myself, unafraid. you’re doing, and then you’ll realize that, in the
I sat down at the piano, and played through both words of Franklin D Roosevelt, “The only thing to
pieces, aware that everyone was watching me. fear is fear itself.” And when fear is gone, there’s

But I was not afraid. nothing to be afraid of.
Why? Because of my experience. This article is based on an award-winning speech
I knew what I was getting into, and things don’t given by Zayan at the Future Stars Speech Contest
always go right the first time, but that’s okay, last month. Future Stars Gavel Club, is a youth

because life is all about learning. And once you communication and leadership club administered
learn, you realize it’s not so bad after all. by Toastmasters International, helping the young
I was not afraid, because I had confidence. people of today become the great leaders of tomorrow!
I walked up there with the mindset that I was The club is open to all middle school and high school

going to give the best performance of the night, aged kids. It gives them the opportunity to become
and that confidence gave me the strength to do so. better listeners, thinkers, speakers and leaders.The
Finally, I was not afraid, because I had belief. club meets weekly during the school year every
Not only did I believe in myself, but I believed Saturday from 10:30am-12:00pm at 4115 SW 160th

that my emotions would come through the music Avenue, Beaverton, Oregon 97007 in the first room
and make the audience not only hear something, in the portal. To learn more about Future Stars or
but feel something. to visit the club, please contact Coach Humaira at
Now, when I say that I was unafraid, that futurestarspdx@gmail.com.

VOICES! | MAY, 2018 37