November 1, 2019
By Taylor Roy
It was the time of year I prepared for far in advance. I had one focus on my mind, and that was to take home first place in the district FFA prepared public speaking contest. After writing a speech and reciting it over and over in front of the mirror, I was ready to go in and sweep that contest.
As I walked into the school that day and even after I competed in my other two contests, I was on top of the world. But, as I walked over to the public speaking room, I began to feel nervous. I noticed another FFA member panicking and looking as if she couldn’t remember her speech.
As she paced up and down the hallway, I walked over to her and said, “Hi, I’m Taylor. Are you OK?”
She replied, “No, this is my very first contest, and I don’t think I can do it because of my speaking disorder. I’m Julia, by the way.”
I told Julia to recite her speech, and I would give her tidbits of advice. After helping her for about 10 minutes, it was go time.
I watched from the window as Julia gave her speech. She was confident. I felt a sense of pride. I was able to give her the confidence she needed to be successful.
I then gave my speech. After an hour had gone by, it was time for awards. With my palms sweaty and knees shaking, I waited for the public speaking top three announcement. I heard the words: “In third place for prepared public speaking is Taylor Roy.”
My heart sank a little bit, as I had hoped to do better, but then, I heard, “In first place, Julia Hamblen.” I felt so much pride in Julia.
Turning point
After this moment, I was no longer concerned about winning. This was about seeing those around me succeed. Julia shared with me after the contest that if it weren’t for me talking to her and giving her advice, she wouldn’t have been able to deliver the speech she had practiced for months.
Julia reached out to me a month later and asked me to help coach her for the state competition. I traveled to Julia’s house and gave her feedback and helped her polish her speech.
While I was with her, I learned so much about Julia. I had gained a new friend whom I would be able to share my passion for FFA with and even collaborate with on future projects.
Julia shared her story with me that day, and it’s one thing I will never forget. Julia said, “Never underestimate a girl with a speech disorder.”
If I wouldn’t have stopped and talked to Julia that day, I would have missed out on an amazing friend and mentor who has inspired me throughout the rest of my FFA career. Next time you see someone in need, don’t hesitate to reach out. You may never know where it will take you or the impact it may leave on you.
Roy is the 2019-20 Indiana FFA reporter. She writes from Trafalgar, Ind.
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