Moulding the clay..

Past couple of weeks I have been spending my time with a bright group of kids in my former school, Helping them out with their debate and public speaking. And as days passed, I just had an overwhelming gush of memories of all that I experience when I was their age. As if it was still yesterday, the nerves, the triumph in victories, the agony of defeat. Mind you, these were a great bunch of students who knew how to blend work and play into one. I did my best to help them and they certainly didnt let up, giving it a good fight till the very end. Every minute they were eager to learn more, wanting to do better, the attitude and the commitment these kids showed in performing and debating really took me by surprise, but it was something I shoud've expected from the very beginning. Fun, laughter, the generation of ideas, the cooperation and understanding were beyond the realms of normality. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

I can still remember in my time sitting in a huge hall, waiting for my turn to be called up. All dressed up in my coat and tie, shaking knees and sweating palms, I made my way to the stage, and performed like there was no tomorrow. Basking in the lime light of a sea of students, I dazzled the crowd with my wit, passion and prowess. It took a lot of work getting to my public speaking finals back in 05, but every drop of sweat, every class missed, every minute spent in front of that God forsaken mirror rehearsing was worth it. There's a saying among the elit that it takes a great person to speak well, but it takes a smart person to speak effectively.
Needless to say I won that day, the Ecstasy of winning it is still beyond word. Till today, though I was not the best speaker in the world, but something inside me said- Thats the way boy, that'll do. Having experienced an unforgettable ride in my schooling days, I wanted the upcoming batches to feel the same way I did. And now after all is said and done, I hope that they too will have something to hold on to in the latter years of life.

To the debaters of Andalas 08 & 09, its been a great privilege to know you, and work with you all this time. Sure, it was disappointing to bow out to better opposition, but we did so with our heads held high. And remember, the journey doesn't stop here. The end of something, is the dawn of something else.
The one thing I have learned from all this with you guys, its never impossible to have fun while your heart screams with anxiety and fear. You guys have been great, laughing all the way from the beginning till the every end, and for that, I thank you.
It wasn't for your school, it wasn't for your friends, you did it, for you.

Many months or even years down the line, you will all look back at this period, and a smile will be carved across your face, just like it happens to me everytime I think about the good times i had. And deep down you will know, it wasn't about winning or losing, it was more than that, much much more. Keep the commitment, keep the focus, keep the laughter in everything you do. I came to teach and help you guys, but I learned so much more from all of you. I'm very proud of all you for these passed two years.

And finally before I rightfully excuse myself for the final time,
Dont cry because its over, but smile, because it happened! *winks*