During my last year of high school, I felt a mix of excitement and astonishment. While my peers had plenty of free time to relax and prepare for college, I was assigned the “quest project,” which required me to write essays and give presentations. Personally, I wasn’t thrilled about this task because writing effectively and speaking confidently were not my strong points. Additionally, as an introvert who struggled with public speaking, it presented even more challenges for me. However, overcoming these obstacles ultimately boosted my confidence in pursuing further education.
The first thing that came to mind regarding my “quest project” was its significance for my future college experience. While I understood the necessity of the project, I felt disheartened as seniors in neighboring high schools weren’t burdened with such arbitrary tasks for graduation. In our case, we were required to engage in volunteer work outside the school and subsequently document our experiences in essays. Additionally, completing the project entailed delivering a Power Point presentation in front of a panel of school representatives.
Despite initially thinking it was fine, I faced challenges in my English class due to being a non-native speaker. I lacked friends in the class and sometimes struggled to understand the teacher’s instructions. As a result, my grades suffered greatly, causing me to worry about my future path. Determined to improve, I reached out to my teacher for assistance. Upon entering his office, he warmly greeted me, wearing round glasses that highlighted his tanned oval face. He attentively listened as I expressed my difficulties and insecurities.
Despite my doubts, it was evident that this man exuded confidence. He compared life to a race and emphasized the importance of perseverance for achieving victory. Overall, he significantly contributed to enhancing my grammar and speaking skills, thereby boosting my confidence in successfully completing the project. Thanks to his encouragement and consideration, I developed a stronger fascination and interest in English. Once back home, while savoring a bowl of sour yogurt and gazing out the window, I contemplated his words. Gradually, my self-assurance grew as I began thinking to myself, “I am capable.” Consequently, I diligently studied and witnessed continuous improvement in my essays. However, anxiety arose specifically regarding the presentation aspect of the project.
In order to obtain guidance on delivering an effective presentation, my teacher advised me to assess both my strengths and weaknesses so that I could enhance my advantages while minimizing imperfections. Moreover, he suggested speaking slowly and clearly to ensure optimal comprehension by everyone. Additionally, he recommended practicing in front of a mirror, which would not only improve confidence but also refine delivery.
After following his instructions, I experienced progress in my speaking abilities over time, leading to an improved grade and a sense of fitting in at school. Although I felt down and worried on the day of my speech, I reminded myself about the significance of meeting my family’s and teacher’s hopes. Luckily, I accomplished the assignment successfully and received an outstanding grade. As I strolled along the shoreline later on, I watched the powerful waves and relished in the aroma of ocean air, feeling reassured that graduation was close by.While gazing at the vast blue Pacific ocean, I discovered solace in Vietnam, the ancestral homeland. This newfound connection gave me a sense of belonging and a fresh start. With unwavering dedication, I successfully completed the project, filling me with pride for my accomplishments. Reflecting on my final year of high school, I am thankful for enrolling in his class and devoting time to finishing the project. Volunteering expanded my understanding of society’s inner workings. The “quest project” not only prompted self-reflection but also fostered personal growth, equipping me with skills necessary for excelling as a college student and beyond academia.
