Page 36 - Voices-2022.05

PLUGGED IN

I didn’t win or even place in

the virtual Evaluation Contest
for Division E this year, yet I
still won. You might be scratching
your head thinking, “huh?” It’s true!

There’s no physical trophy on my
bookshelf, but I grew a lot during the
process and have another year of growth
through practice. I won by gaining more

knowledge, practicing courage, and by
growing confidence. These growth trophies I
hope to display when I give future speeches
and evaluations to show how I truly won. In

fact, New Horizons Toastmasters Club slogan
is “Come for the FUN, stay for the GROWTH”
and I can honestly say I did both this year.
However, you may be thinking:

But don’t you compete to win?

The simple answer is yes. Contest improvement
Competitors (whether they admit it out and that’s a win

loud or not) are doing their best to win. I’m for the future.
competitive and like to win. To be a good
sport and truly happy for the person who does Why do you
win is also important. All contests are judged, compete in contests?

I do my best and see how it turns out. That This was asked of
is reality. As the first evaluation contestant all contestants in the
this year, I saw every evaluator after me. I interview session. My
studied them closely. This gave me insight for answer was “I like to

36 ONE COMMUNITY